Chemotherapy drugs for cancer patients undergoing treatment at CancerCare Manitoba will now be handled by robots.
Through new robotic technology, a machine known as RIVA (robotic IV automations system) mixes chemotherapy drugs with repetitive motions. The machine can prepare chemotherapy doses at a faster rate than manual mixing, increasing efficiency and reducing the potential for repetitive strain injuries for pharmacy staff mixing drugs for extended periods of time.
“With this new technology, we’re ensuring we will continue to be a leader in making patient safety priority number one,” said Health Minister Erin Selby. “RIVA will free up medical staff to focus on other patient issues that will make a real difference in their cancer journey.”
The province spent $1.25 million on the automated IV compounding system, which was developed by Winnipeg-based Intelligent Hospital Systems.
