Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and Solidsoft Reply Win "Best Digital Partner" Award at NHS 2024 NurseTech Innovation Challenge for Revolutionizing Controlled Drug Management
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT), along with Solidsoft Reply, have been named winners of the prestigious 'Best Digital Partner' award by the NHS 2024 NurseTech Innovation Challenge, part of the Digital Nursing platform that celebrates and incentivises innovation among nurses, recognising the most transformative ideas and the organisations that support them, as well as celebrating the winners who set new standards in nursing innovation. This award recognises CHFT’s and Solidsoft Reply’s pioneering efforts in transforming controlled drug (CD) management through an innovative digital solution.
CHFT collaborated with Solidsoft Reply, the Reply group company creating enterprise strength solutions on-premises and utilising the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, to develop a cutting-edge Controlled Drug Register, now implemented at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital. Replacing traditional paper logs, which are prone to errors and inefficiencies, especially in high-stress environments like emergency departments, the new electronic system ensures real-time oversight and robust compliance.
The system integrates seamlessly with existing NHS digital infrastructure, capturing critical workflows across pharmacy operations, hospital wards, and clinical areas. This integration enables staff to maintain accurate, up-to-the-minute records, enhancing patient safety and operational efficiency.
After rigorous testing, the solution was rolled out with comprehensive training for staff. Feedback from clinical teams has been integral to continuous improvements, ensuring the system addresses the practical needs of healthcare providers. The results are striking: improved accuracy in CD documentation, reduced delays in administrative processes, and a more streamlined approach to regulatory compliance.
"This award is testament to the hard work that all the teams have put in to make sure this was a safe and efficient system for our clinical staff to be able to maintain CD standards and compliance. The whole project kept the patient and staff at the forefront focusing on patient safety and how the system would return time to care for the nursing teams." - Louise Croxall, Chief Nursing Information Officer (CNIO) - Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.
"Our approach was to build a new controlled drugs digital solution for CHFT that fully adhered to legislation while dramatically increasing the Trust's ability to provide better management and governance. We are delighted with this award, which is the icing on the cake of our successful partnership over the last three years." David Eccles, Partner - Solidsoft Reply.
The "Best Digital Partner" accolade underscores CHFT's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance patient care and operational excellence.
About Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS FT
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust provides healthcare services to the communities of West Yorkshire. With a strong focus on innovation and patient-centred care, CHFT and their more than 6,500 staff who deliver compassionate care from our two main hospitals, Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary as well as in community sites, health centres and in patients’ homes, continually seeking to improve health outcomes through technology-driven solutions.
Solidsoft Reply
Solidsoft Reply is the Reply group company creating enterprise strength solutions utilising the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. A global award-winning Microsoft Solutions Partner, Solidsoft Reply is recognised by the Pharmaceutical & Healthcare industries as being one the of leading delivery partners in Verification and Traceability systems world-wide.