Omnicell, Avantec to launch medical supply system

BANGALORE,INDIA: Omnicell, Inc., a provider in system solutions and Avantec, Omnicell's UK distributor, today announced that three of London's largest hospitals within United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) have announced their joint selection of OmniSupplier cabinet systems in a project budgeted at more than US$10 million.

The Omnicell systems form a cornerstone of the project that includes an entirely new logistics process for managing medical and surgical supplies, said a press release.

The foundation trusts of Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals and King's College Hospital have announced they would be using Omnicell supply systems to improve data capture, reduce consumption and inventory and increase overall efficiency for materials management departments, nursing units and specialty areas, it added.

"This project is a ground-breaking development in the NHS and has the potential to revolutionize the work patterns of clinical staff and produce a model of best practice in managing hospital supply chains," said David Lawson, head of Procurement at Guy's and St Thomas.

"The project has been welcomed by staff that can see the benefits it has on their working days. Managers are also delighted as it provides them with an unprecedented level of cost control," he added.

Avantec Ltd, Omnicell's sole UK distributor and close partner, has oversight and responsibility for project management, installation and maintenance for the systems, with support from Omnicell's European and U.S. teams.

"This is an important project that demonstrates the benefits of integrating the management of supplies and medications in NHS hospital supply chains," said Maurice Gale, sales director, Avantec.

The unique architecture of OmniSupplier enables each department to manage its supplies and medications independently while tracking transaction data, inventory levels, expenses, and patient treatment costs through a single database.

"Omnicell is pleased to be selected by Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital trust and King's College trust -- two of London's leading hospital trusts and models of best practice in the NHS," said Randall A. Lipps, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Omnicell.

"The installation of Omnicell supply systems will provide them with a significant return on their investment, increase efficiency for hospital staff, and give them control over the hospital supply management process," he added.