Announcement of Go-Live Date
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust has officially announced the go-live date for its new Oracle Health electronic patient record (EPR) system.
Key Details of the EPR System
- The EPR system is designed to replace multiple existing digital and paper-based systems.
- It aims to create a unified platform for managing patient information.
- The current phase includes design, development, and testing, with collaboration from clinical teams over the next 18 months.
- The expected launch is set for Spring 2025.
Benefits of the EPR System
According to Dr. Allister Grant, Chief Medical Officer, the EPR system will:
- Enhance the accuracy of information for clinicians.
- Improve coordination of patient flow and scheduling in areas such as operating theatres and outpatient services.
- Integrate information from various systems, minimizing duplication.
Patient-Centric Approach
Kelvyn Hipperson, Chief Information Officer, emphasized that the EPR is a crucial part of the trustβs digital transformation plan, which prioritizes patient care. Key features include:
- Elimination of the need for patients to repeat their healthcare history.
- Ensuring that patient records are accessible throughout their healthcare journey, even when transitioning between services and departments.
Investment in Digital Healthcare
This initiative is part of NHS England’s broader investment of Β£1.9 billion aimed at digitizing frontline healthcare. The goal is to ensure that healthcare staff have access to the necessary information to provide safe and effective patient care.
Related Developments in EPR Systems
Other NHS trusts are also advancing their EPR systems:
- The Norfolk and Waveney Acute Hospital Collaborative is procuring an EPR supplier across three acute trusts.
- London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust recently launched its EPR system after extensive planning.
The emphasis on EPR systems reflects a national commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to enhance healthcare delivery.