UK Initiatives
February 2007 : UK Department of Health adopts GS1
In a press release, the UK Department of Health informs about his adoption of the GS1 System for the UK Health Services, as well as his endorsment of the GS1 HUG.
See also GS1 UK's press release.
See also the BBC report.
The DoH has further published a guideline to support his initiative:
"New guidance to promote and support use of auto identification (barcoding and similar technologies) to increase patient safety and improve efficiency has been launched. There is evidence of real improvements to patient safety when coding systems are used to match patients to their care – reduced medication errors, reduced risk of wrong site surgery, accurate track and trace of surgical instruments, equipment and other devices and much better record keeping. Using coding to manage supplies and purchasing electronically can cut costs dramatically as well as improve efficiency. This document has been written in partnership with DH, NPSA, MHRA, CfH and PASA. It recommends both industry and NHS adopt the GS1 system of coding standards and sets out an action plan that supports both NHS and industry. "
In the last few years, the Healthcare market in the UK has been subject of several progresses in the use of the GS1 system. You find here a selection of statements, reports and initiatives to illustrate this.
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Wirral Hospital NHS Trust |
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UK's leading supply chain organisation calls for end to medication errors, August 2004 |
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NHS Purchase and Supply Agency recommends barcoding, preferably with EAN.UCC, October 2004 |
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Barcodes on prescription drugs will prevent deadly medical mistakes, April 2003 |
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The Audit Commission ("a spoonfull of sugar"), December 2001 |
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