The brand-new electronic patient record system has been implemented across Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
A section of the Emergency Department at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.(Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) bosses have marked the launch of a ‘complex’ digital patient system following a challenging start that led to a critical incident.
The new electronic patient record (EPR) system has been implemented across the trust, which runs Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) and City Hospital, in November last year.
The Nervecentre systems, however, performed “slower than expected”, leading to a two-day critical incident being declared the day after the launch.
The issues have since been resolved and the ‘milestone’ system now provides ‘seamless access’ to patient data across departments as well as improved coordination of patient care and less paperwork.
Deputy medical director Dr Mark Simmonds pictured at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham(Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)
Mark Simmonds, deputy medical director and clinical lead for the EPR Programme, said: “It is always a balance of risk when introducing new technology in healthcare, but we are pleased to have implemented a functioning EPR that forms part of our digital transformation to continuously improve the way we deliver and manage patient care.
“Despite our initial challenges, teams across NUH are getting stuck in and learning a new way of working.
“There is a lot more work to do but this is an exciting start to our digital transformation with the delivery of quality patient care at its heart.”
Further functions will be added to the programme this year, such as the Patient Centre which will allow people to get involved in their own care.
Some elements of Nervecentre were already in use across the trust’s inpatient services, with the expansion taking place across the administration, theatres and outpatients areas.
Andy Callow, chief digital and transformation officer, said: “The launch of our new EPR is a significant milestone in our digital journey, and one that we are all very proud of.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our staff to use the latest technology to support with creating a more efficient service for our patients by streamlining processes and communication channels.
“I’d like to thank all of our staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment in embracing this change and getting us to this key point in our digital transformation journey.”