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PharmaTrust gets green light for automatic drug dispensersBy Amy DempseySciences Centre has had two (It has) turned out to bea machine without theTORONTO STARdispensing machines on site a very reliable, very safe wayphysical presence of a phar-since 2008 as part of a pilot for patients to convenientlymacist was first announcedMachines that dispense project.access their drugs beforein December 2009, but theprescription drugs around Dr. John Murnaghan, an they leave the hospital.regulations only came intothe clock will be rolled out orthopedic surgeon at Narcotics will not beeffect now.across the province in the Sunnybrook, said his initial available at remote dispens-Pharmacies that wish tocoming months.skepticism about the ing locations.operate a remote kiosk mustHealth Minister Deb machines faded after they Legislation allowing forbe accredited by the OntarioMatthews said Friday that were installed.prescriptions to be filled byCollege of Pharmacists.Ontario is allowing mass installation of the ATM-like drug dispensing machines.This has been tested every which way, Matthews said at a news conference. VINCE TALOTTA / TORONTO STARThere is no question that this meets the very, very CONVENIENT:Patient Libby Kennedy uses the PharmaTrust highest standards of patient Med Centre prescription dispensing machine to fill her prescrip-safety.tion at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.Oakville-based company remote or rural communi-Patients feed their pre-PharmaTrust, maker of the ties that dont have medical scriptions into a slot and are machines, said up to 40 of centres to have easier access linked via video to a real them will be installed across to prescription drugs.pharmacist who has full Ontario in the next six The green and white control over the medication months.drug-dispensing machines being dispensed and can ask The machines will give look like ATMs with a televi-and answer questions.patients access to pharmacy sion screen and telephone.Sunnybrook Health services and allow people in 11 Wednesday, March 23, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com