Halifax Health – Medical Center of Port Orange Implements New Bedside Medication Verification

Halifax Health - Medical Center of Port Orange has recently implemented a new system to administer patient medications in the safest manner possible. The facility is the first in East Central Florida and among the less than 20 percent nationally that have employed the program.

The Bedside Medication Verification (BMV) system utilizes important safety checks to ensure that patients receive the correct medications during their hospital stay. The process includes three main steps:

• A hospital caregiver will scan the patient's ID bracelet and medication(s). Bedside computers will verify that the ID bracelet information matches the medications the physician has ordered for that patient.
• The caregiver then provides patient with information on new medications and side effects and answers any questions regarding the medications.
• Once verified in the computer, the caregiver will administer medications to the patient.

"Our Bedside Medication Verification process is another example of the importance that Halifax Health places on patient safety and quality of care," said Lori Myers, Chief Nursing Officer at Halifax Health. "We continue to lead the way in bringing the latest clinical advancements to our community and I look forward to further implementing this vital safety process throughout our system."

Halifax Health
Ranked among the top five percent of all hospitals in the nation for clinical outcomes, Halifax Health serves East Central Florida and provides a continuum of healthcare services through a network of organizations including a tertiary hospital, a community hospital, psychiatric services, a cancer treatment center with four outreach locations, the area's largest hospice, a health maintenance organization, and a preferred provider organization. Halifax Health offers the area's only Level II Trauma Center, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Pediatric Emergency Department, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Services, and Neurosurgical Services. Halifax Health has consistently received top ratings for its medical specialties including #1 in Florida and top 5% in the United States for Orthopedics, #2 in Florida and top 5% in the United States for Spinal Surgery, top 5% in the United States for Stroke Services, top 10% in the United States for Vascular Services and the highest rankings for Heart Services. Halifax Health also ranked #1 in the Orlando Sentinel's 2007 Top 100 Companies for Working Families. For more information, visit www.halifaxhealth.org.