Automated Dispensing Systems Will Enable Improved Inventory Management Aboard Medical Ship That Provides Life-Changing Care for Those in Need
Omnicell, Inc., a leading provider of medication and supply management automation, analytics software, and medication adherence solutions for healthcare organizations, today announced it has donated equipment from the recently released XT series, resources to install and test the equipment, and additional funds to the global charity Mercy Ships. The equipment, which includes automated dispensing cabinets and anesthesia medication workstations, has been installed and is operational aboard the Africa Mercy, the largest non-governmental hospital ship in the world.
Developing nations often lack the facilities and personnel to provide quality healthcare. Mercy Ships has operated a fleet of hospital ships to aid in this endeavor since 1978. Each ship spends approximately ten months in port where volunteer clinicians perform surgical and dental procedures free of charge to people who often have little or no access to medical care. Volunteers also work with the local community to provide training and enhance medical facility infrastructure to enable follow-up care for those treated aboard the ship. A crew of 400 volunteers from up to 40 nations staffs the ship.
It often takes six weeks or longer for the Africa Mercy to receive supplies, so the donation of the automated dispensing technology will enable Mercy Ships to more accurately track usage and help ensure they have sufficient medical supplies on hand. In addition to the equipment and services, Omnicell donated funds to sponsor the ship’s crew clinic, which provides clinical services to the volunteers and other staff while they’re onboard.
“We aim to provide the best care to the poorest of the poor, and adding this latest equipment from Omnicell helps us achieve this mission,” said Bobby Baker, director of development/corporate relations for Mercy Ships. “Having this level of technology is leading us into the future. Lives will be changed forever because of our partnership with Omnicell.”
“We are inspired by the care provided by the volunteer crew members on the Africa Mercy who change people’s lives every day,” said Ken Perez, vice president of Healthcare Policy and liaison to Mercy Ships for Omnicell. “Omnicell is proud to support their mission to bring state-of-the-art healthcare to those in need and address conditions that could otherwise result in lifelong disabilities or death.”
To learn more about how Omnicell is helping Mercy Ships deliver medical care where it’s needed most, watch this video.
About Mercy Ships
Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building and sustainable development to those with little access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $1.3 billion, treating more than 2.61 million direct beneficiaries. The Africa Mercy is crewed by 400 volunteers from up to 40 nations, an average of 1000 each year. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. With offices in 16 nations, Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations one at a time. For more information click on www.mercyships.org. 
