WINNER

Mersey Care Foundation Trust

Data-driven medicines optimisation and prioritisation in mental health and community services

Mersey Care Foundation Trust’s Digital Pharmacy Service has redefined medicines optimisation through a clinically-led,data-driven transformation. By harmonising prescribing systems, automating workflows, and embedding real-time analytics, the service has improved medicines safety, reduced expenditure, and enhanced access to actionable insights. The initiative consolidated EPMA and Pharmacy Stock Control systems, introduced robotic process automation, and developed a clinical informatics roadmap aligned with strategic priorities. These innovations have enabled safer prescribing, streamlined operations, and empowered staff with timely data. The programme exemplifies how digital transformation can deliver measurable value, improve patient outcomes, and support system-wide efficiency in medicines management and optimisation.

Read a detailed case study about this project at HSJ Solutions

Highly commended

Derriford Hospital, University Hospitals Plymouth Trust: From Manual Risk to Digitally Driven Controlled Drug Management for Safe, Simple, Smart Care

Finalists

Dartford & Gravesham Trust: Setting the bar for safer, faster medication management: the Dartford and Gravesham ePMA journey

University Hospitals of Leicester Trust: Integrated unit dose medicines administration at scale

North Bristol Trust: Beyond Digitisation: A Clinically Led EPMA Transformation Delivering Safter Medicines Management at Scale

North Tees and Hartlepool FT: TrakCare Electronic Prescribing and administration (ePMA2) optimisation

Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust: Transforming Homecare Prescriptions Through AI Automation

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership FT: Digitising Medication Prescribing and Administration

Birmingham Women & Children’s Hospital: Enhancing Patient Safety and Adherence in Pharmacy through Accessible, QR-Linked Medicines Information

Topics

HSJ Digital Awards 2026: Winners revealed

Digital Awards 2026_Left Aligned

The HSJ Digital Awards 2026 took place last night at the ICC Birmingham, celebrating outstanding contributions to digital healthcare transformation across the NHS and wider sector.