HOSPITALS in Hampshire are to receive £2.7m in extra funding to introduce digital prescriptions

The new technology would help NHS staff to access patient history and prescribe medication digitally.

Health minister Nadine Dorries has confirmed that £8.7m of funding will help seven NHS trusts to introduce digital patient records to hospitals.

The funding would mean NHS trusts could have quicker access to information which could reduce medication errors by 30 per cent, which could be lifesaving.

The announcement was made on World Patient Safety Day, September 17, at a virtual conference organised by Imperial College, London.

Ms Dorries said: “World Patient Safety Day this year comes at a more important time than ever, with healthcare systems and workers across the world tested like never before.

“In my role I have seen first-hand the dedication and care demonstrated by so many of my colleagues in the NHS and this year’s theme of health worker safety is a vital one.

“I am also pleased to announce the seven Trusts receiving a share of £8.7 million to Trusts to help eliminate paper prescriptions.

"This will not only help reduce potentially deadly medication errors but save our hardworking staff valuable time.”

World Patient Safety Day acknowledges workplace issues such as stress, pressure and discrimination to create a safer working environment for health care professionals

The roll out has already been introduced to 130 NHS trusts as part of a £78m investment to deliver the ‘NHS long term plan’ to introduce electronic prescribing system across the whole NHS.

It comes as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to train 50,000 new nurses.

The minister will also be paying a virtual visit to University Hospital Southampton alongside NHS England’s national patient safety director Aidan Fowler.

Dr Fowler, said: “World Patient Safety Day is an important opportunity to reflect on the vital work that goes on across the NHS to protect patients from harm, and to thank staff for their efforts to keep patients safe.

“Patient safety is of paramount importance and is something we are continuously looking at ways to improve; whether through new technology, such as the introduction of electronic prescribing, and by building a safety culture where all NHS staff feel supported and safe to speak up.”