Eastern Ontario hospitals launching new Epic information system
Posted Sep 27, 2022 11:30:00 PM.
A new health information system is launching at three eastern Ontario hospitals later this year.
The Epic system is going to be available at the Deep River and District Hospital (DRDH), the Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) and the Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH).
“Epic is a powerful digital health information system that uses the latest technology to securely store, organize, and access patient records,” said Janna Hotson, the chief executive officer (CEO) at DRDH. “The new Epic system will support both patients and their care providers. Simply put, patients will get better access to their own health information and more seamless care from their providers.”
A benefit of the Epic system is the private MyChart portal. Patients will have their health story at their fingertips, anytime, anywhere. MyChart subscribers can see their medical history, diagnostic test results, upcoming appointments, lists of allergies and medications, and even educational materials.
“The three hospitals will now become part of a digital network of nine hospitals in the Ottawa region using the world-class health information system,” said Cholly Boland, CEO of WDMH. “Epic replaces the current hospital information systems made up of multiple electronic and paper-based systems containing different parts of a patient's health record. “Epic gives the patient's care team the information they need at their fingertips and is proven to reduce wait times, length of stay in the hospital, and readmission.”
As part of the planning process, each hospital will be reducing some services at the time of launch to ensure that staff have time to care for each patient while learning to use of the new system.
“Nov. 5 is just over a month away and we will be ready,” said Frank J. Vassallo, CEO at KDH. Our teams have been working tirelessly to train and prepare for Epic. They see the benefits first-hand.”
More details will be provided on the hospital websites and social media channels leading up to Nov. 5.
