In today’s complex healthcare environment, the safe storage, handling, and dispensing of controlled medicines—such as Schedule 8 (S8) drugs—is critical to ensuring patient safety. These high-risk medicines are tightly regulated due to their significant potential for misuse, dependence, and diversion, requiring strict adherence to legislative and clinical protocols.
Schedule 8 drugs include opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and methadone—medications commonly used for pain relief, palliative care, or opioid dependence treatment. Because of their potency and risk profile, they must be managed with exceptional care and accountability.
Healthcare providers must remain vigilant in how these high-risk medications are handled. Traditionally, manual systems such as paper-based registers and basic locking cabinets have been used. However, as healthcare becomes increasingly digital, so too should the systems that support medication safety. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) emphasises the importance of robust medication management systems that ensure accurate documentation, traceability, and accountability at every stage of the process.
So how can facilities take practical steps to safeguard medications, support staff, and maintain compliance?
A Smarter Approach to Controlled Drug Management
Manual systems simply don’t offer the level of traceability and control needed to meet modern safety standards. The healthcare industry is increasingly turning to digital solutions that combine physical security with advanced tracking capabilities.
One such solution is NarcSafe® from STOCKART®.
Introducing NarcSafe®
NarcSafe® is a secure, digital storage unit specifically designed for managing controlled medicines, including Schedule 8 drugs. It helps healthcare teams manage these medications with greater confidence, compliance, and control.
NarcSafe® enables safe, end-to-end tracking and management of controlled medications—from goods receipt at the warehouse right through to administration to the patient. Installed within the pharmacy, NarcSafe® integrates seamlessly with other STOCKART® medication management stations, eliminating the need for manual transaction recording and ensuring full traceability throughout the workflow.
Upon receiving goods, controlled medications are securely stored inside the NarcSafe® station, which features reinforced metal doors for added security. Where required, transactions can be carried out in the presence of a witness to support compliance protocols.
NarcSafe® can issue medications directly to patients or be used to restock other STOCKART® main stations. These stations can automatically generate picklists for controlled medications stored within NarcSafe®, streamlining the replenishment process. To maintain the chain of custody, the STOCKART® main station is automatically notified when a picklist is ready for collection from the NarcSafe® unit in the pharmacy.
Key features include:
- Chain of custody for controlled medications, starting from the hospital entrance, through administration, and ending with the patient as the final user.
- Compliance with regulatory requirements set by relevant institutions.
- Easy, real-time access to accurate information.
- Transaction records with witness verification.
- Detailed activity reporting.
- User access authorization via Bio-ID or Proxy Card.
- Reduction of manual record-keeping by nursing and pharmacy staff.
- Discrepancy traceability for enhanced oversight.
Why It Matters
Healthcare facilities face increasing pressure to ensure the secure handling of controlled drugs—not only for compliance, but to uphold the highest standards of patient care. Staff need tools that support best practice while reducing administrative burden.
Digital solutions like NarcSafe® don’t just secure medications—they empower clinical teams with reliable, real-time data, improve transparency, and ultimately enhance patient safety.
Supporting Smarter Medication Management with Debetrek
Debetrek partners with healthcare providers across Australia and New Zealand to deliver customised, best-practice solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and compliance. From consultation and product selection to installation and after-sales support, Debetrek helps ensure that controlled medicine management is handled with the security and care it demands.
To find out how NarcSafe® can be implemented in your facility, get in touch with the team at Debetrek or learn more about the product here.
