THE Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital has signed up with a leading healthcare technology provider to install innovative blood tracking systems to improve patient safety.

Initially, MSoft's web-based electronic blood tracking and bedside management technology will be installed at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and at Torbay Hospital, but the plan is to roll it out to other parts of the trust during the next 18 months.

The system controls access to and from all blood fridges, while the bedside management system allows each barcoded blood unit to be matched with the patient's barcoded wristband in a matter of seconds.

Nurses use a combination of handheld devices and computers on wheels at the patient's bedside. The company is also in discussion with a number of trusts about the introduction of iPad technology on to wards.

Matt McAlister, managing director of Ellesmere Port-based MSoft, said: "We are delighted to have signed contracts with Royal Devon and Exeter and South Devon, and look forward to working with both trusts on the successful implementation of their blood tracking and bedside management systems.

"It is an exciting time for MSoft as more and more trusts talk to us about how we can improve patient safety and hospital security and provide cost-effective systems which allow the NHS to make savings."