Isoft

Steve Freeborn, a renowned pharmacist and contributor to the landmark report on medication errors, "A Spoonful of Sugar - Medicines management in NHS hospitals", will be among the speakers at iSOFT-sponsored e-prescribing conferences at Wembley on 20 October and Old Trafford on 10 November.

Freeborn's keynote address, "There and back again - a pharmacist's tale", will describe how pharmacy management in the NHS has witnessed many changes over the years, yet advanced relatively little.

In a recent article, Freeborn said traditionally the NHS lacked the drive to make e-prescribing a reality but the current cost cutting is a game-changer, as it risks patient safety. "

The line-up of distinguished speakers from academia and the NHS promises a lively debate and useful exchange of ideas," said Adrian Stevens, managing director of iSOFT's UK and Ireland business, who is hosting the events.

Both ePMA Excellence Forums are free and open to anyone wanting to learn more about the realities of implementing an e-prescribing and medicines administration (ePMA) system.

Other speakers and sessions include:

• Dr Rachel Howard, University of Reading; "People and computers: error producing or defensive?"
• Prof Tim Dornan, University of Maastricht; "Education and the impact on prescribing behaviours."

There are also sessions offering some practical advice on implementing ePMA systems in the NHS:

• Helen Bennett, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust; "Establishing baseline and performance measures."
• Alex Jennings, University Hospital Aintree; "ePMA risks and benefits."
• Steve Wardell and Bala Sridhar, The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; "Implementing a complex ePMA solution."

For more information, please visit: www.isofthealth.com