Hospital Chooses Pharmacy Automation System

The 1000-bed Johns Hopkins Hospital(Baltimore, Md) will install IntelliFill i.v.pharmacy robotic technology to automatethe hospital's pharmacy intravenous(IV) drug preparation process.Manufactured by ForHealth TechnologiesInc, IntelliFill i.v. computerizes the compoundingand labeling of IV doses insyringes at rates that can only be metthrough automated processes.

Using bar-code scanning, vision systems,weight confirmation steps, andfinal products that are identified with barcodes, IntelliFill i.v. lowers medicationerrors. The system also advances longtermhospital cost savings by preparingthe final IV products in a syringe, comparedwith an IV bag.

"Johns Hopkins has taken a major stepforward and placed its confidence inForHealth's IntelliFill i.v. device toadvance the quality of care, safety, andefficiency of its pharmacy operations,"stated Rod Wolford, chairman and chiefexecutive officer of ForHealthTechnologies Inc.