HC-One announce partnership to pioneer medicine barcode technology

One of the UK’s largest care home providers, HC-One, have announced a partnership with medication pioneers Pharmacy Plus, in order to make the most of the latest medicine barcode technology for the benefit of older people in care.

The partnership means that HC-One will pioneer the new PCS System, designed to ensure that medication is delivered error-free to residents, a problem it is estimated costs the NHS £1bn a year due to unnecessary hospital admissions where medicines have been administered wrongly.

HC-One chairman, Dr Chai Patel CBE is keen to see his company meeting Department of Health objectives to see all care homes implementing barcode medication, commenting:

“As the third largest care provider for older people in the UK, whose mission is to provide the kindest care in the country, HC-One is delighted to enter a partnership with Pharmacy Plus to pioneer the use of new PCS technology for dispensing medication. Through our partnership with Pharmacy Plus, we aim for nothing less than to set the new standard for the way in which medication is dispensed in the social care system.”

The PCS (Proactive Care System) allows carers to be confident they have administered the correct medicines at the right times, using a barcode verification system made possible using a hand-held device. Not only will the system offer peace of mind, but accurate and practical medication verification will also contribute to the efficiency of carers elsewhere in the service delivery.

managing director, Tariq Muhammad says: “The new partnership between HC-One and Pharmacy Plus underlines how new technology and collaboration can lead to better outcomes for residents. At its heart, the aim of this partnership is to improve the quality of life for thousands of people in residential care homes across the UK.”

HC-One (standing for ‘Health’ & ‘Care’) was formed in November of last year, after the collapse of Southern Cross Healthcare, and the provider currently runs 241 care homes across the UK. Approximately 10,000 residents and their families are set to benefit from the Pharmacy Plus partnership.