​​NSW Health, through the Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC), is establishing a new digital Life Saving Drugs Register tracking vital stock.

The new, digital register will update daily and pinpoint the exact location of these life-saving drugs to specific NSW public hospital departments.

The medicines on the Life Saving Drugs Register include those used to treat paracetamol overdose, snake and spider bites and poisoning from heavy metals, including 31 antidotes and 10 antivenoms.

The newly upgraded register will streamline the process for locating these medicines in time-critical emergencies.

The register replaces a web-based Excel spreadsheet updated every six months.

After confirming the location of the medicines, the digital register can connect to online maps showing the quickest route from the patient’s location to the medicine.

The new digital register is also accessible from mobile devices to support frontline workers caring for NSW patients in diverse and challenging environments.

The register links to evidence-based guidelines to give health workers direction on the most appropriate use of these vital medications.

People suspecting an overdose, poisoning, snake or spider bite are urged to call healthdirect 1800 022 222, NSW Poisons Information Centre 13 11 ​26 or 000 if there are serious safety concerns.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are announcing today, the creation of a one-stop-shop for life saving drugs.

“Through this initiative, frontline emergency workers will be able to rapidly access critical lifesaving medicines for patients.

“This register will inform frontline workers of the nearest location of the medicines their patients need – saving time and saving lives.

“We are modernising our health system, finding efficiencies with new and innovative initiatives – I’ve always said, where we can do things better, we will.”

Quotes attributable to CEC Chief Executive Prof Michael Nicholl:

“The new register will help ensure NSW patients are better able to access life-saving drugs, either by having medications urgently transferred or patients transported to the most appropriate hospital.

“The register has moved from a web-based Excel spreadsheet updated every six months, to a dynamic webpage with daily stock updates from each hospital’s pharmacy dispensing software.”

Quotes attributable to St George Hospital Emergency Specialist Dr Trevor Chan:

“These highly specialised medications are designed for very unwell patients and need to be used quickly.

“The register supports health workers to find stock and ensure it is used with appropriate clinical guidance.”