Velindre University NHS Trust to roll out Better ePMA

Velindre University NHS Trust has selected Better as its preferred supplier to deliver an electronic prescribing and medicines administration (ePMA) to replace paper-based processes with digital systems.

The system, which is set to go live at the trust in September 2026, reduces the risk of medication errors by ensuring prescriptions are clear, legible and complete, and including built-in safety checks for allergies and dosage accuracy.

An ePMA system is being rolled out to every ward in every hospital in Wales under the NHS Wales’ Digital Medicines Programme, led by Digital Health and Care Wales and funded by the Welsh government.

Dr Lesley Hewer, chair of the national ePMA programme, said: “We’re delighted to see Velindre University NHS Trust joining health boards in Wales who have signed contracts with their respective ePMA suppliers.

“Electronic prescribing increases safety by enabling staff to respond faster to a patient’s need for appropriate medication and by reducing prescribing errors. It also benefits the environment as it aims to reduce our use of paper.”

Velindre University NHS Trust provides specialist cancer and blood services through Velindre Cancer Service, which delivers specialist non-surgical tertiary oncology services to patients across south east Wales, and the Welsh Blood Service, which provides essential and specialised services nationally, including the collection and production of blood, blood components and bone marrow to treat patients.

Andrew Evans, chief pharmaceutical officer for Wales, said: “The shift to digital prescribing across all hospitals and primary care is supporting increasing NHS productivity and leading to further improvements in the safe and effective use of medicines.

“The announcement that Velindre University NHS Trust is rolling out ePMA to its specialist cancer and blood services is yet another example of the excellent progress being made to deliver the Welsh Government’s commitment to fully implement electronic prescribing in Wales.”

Other health boards to roll out a Better ePMA include Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Nicola Williams, executive director of nursing, allied health professionals and health science at Velindre University NHS Trust, said: “The introduction of electronic prescribing at Velindre marks a major milestone in our commitment to patient safety and high-quality care.

“By replacing paper-based systems with digital processes, we’re reducing the risk of medication errors and ensuring our patients receive the safest and most effective treatment possible.”