NSW Health will partner with Epic, a world leading technology firm, to deliver a Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) for the State’s public health system, subject to successful completion of contractual negotiations.
This world-class digital initiative will re-shape Australia’s largest public health system replacing nine existing electronic medical record platforms, six patient administration systems, five pathology laboratory information management systems and several other clinical support systems.
The SDPR will unify electronic medical records and pathology information systems across the State enhancing both coordination and quality of care for patients.
The program, which spans the NSW public health system across metropolitan, rural and regional areas includes all 15 Local Health Districts, two Specialty Health Networks and all NSW Health Pathology laboratories.
Having a single, digital platform will allow healthcare teams to have electronic access to real time NSW Health medical records. Treating teams will have comprehensive information when and where they need it so patients will have a more seamless care experience.
eHealth NSW Chief Executive and Chief Information Officer, NSW Health, Dr Zoran Bolevich said the preferred vendor was chosen after a robust evaluation process involving more than 350 expert stakeholders including clinicians, scientists and technical experts.
“eHealth NSW, NSW Health Pathology, Local Health Districts and Specialty Health Networks worked together and engaged with healthcare professionals throughout the extensive procurement process,” Dr Bolevich said.
“Their expertise, along with meaningful engagement with healthcare consumers, will continue to guide us as we roll out SDPR across the state.”
NSW Health Pathology Chief Executive, Tracey McCosker PSM said the transformative SDPR system will lay the foundations for continuous improvement across the NSW Health system.
“Patients and our busy staff will benefit from clinical insights gained from the capture of important new data that enables ongoing innovation across the state.”
“Our work in pathology is vital to the diagnostic process and developing a statewide laboratory information management system will ensure we provide the best possible services to the community and partners for decades to come,” Ms McCosker said.
The SDPR will first go live in the Hunter New England Local Health District before rolling out in broader public health settings across the state.
Hunter New England Local Health District, Executive Director of Medical Services, Professor Trish Davidson AM said, “Our 25 hospitals and dozens of community health services are part of an integrated and collaborative network, meaning we’re the perfect test-case for this type of technology.
“Once implemented, it won’t matter which facility a patient turns up to – whether it be in the Hunter, Lower Mid-North Coast or New England region – our specialists will have all the information required to provide timely, safe and quality healthcare,” she said.
US-based company – Epic – is one of the world’s largest vendors of electronic medical record systems. Its products are used to support the delivery of healthcare in Australia and around the world, currently serving more than 300 million patients.
