Improving general inventory control at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, UK

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust recognised the need for better inventory management. It employed GS1 barcodes to help reduce waste, save move and improve patient care.

The context

Portsmouth overhauled their inventory management system to resolve the challenge of managing 13 different types of barcodes, some containing duplicated identifiers, as well as correctly managing all products at the inner- and outer-packaging level. As part of the project, GS1 barcodes were implemented across the 27-theatre complex with 40 supporting locations, cardiology, audiology and six wards.

By leveraging GS1 barcodes, Portsmouth is able to uniquely identify products brought into key hospital storage areas. This helps the Trust feeds directly into the inventory management system and increases their overall efficiency.

Results

• Return on investment ratio of 8.5:1 achieved1
• On-hand stock reduced by 20%
• Waste reduced to less than 1%

1 Pomroy, J. (n.d.)Inventory management: Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust.