A new regional electronic health record system for patients is about to go live in Chatham-Kent and Windsor.
Officials at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) said the new secure hospital information system to improve communication between clinicians and patients will go live at the Chatham and Wallaceburg hospitals as well as Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare in Windsor beginning on Sunday. The new electronic health records are already functional at Erie Shores HealthCare in Leamington.
CKHA said patients will have their information collected in a new and upgraded computer system and medications will be confirmed electronically. Their information will also be shared instantly and securely between care teams, which will increase timely decision-making.
“The new Hospital Information System that CKHA and neighbouring hospitals are implementing is a system that has been built by and for our region. Together with supports from TransForm, our teams have been involved in making this system one that will benefit our patients and clinicians alike,” said CKHA President and CEO Lori Marshall. “I’m so proud of our team and regional partners who have been working diligently to develop and ready this system. We’re looking forward to going live on November 1.”
CKHA said staff and physicians have been trained on the system but it is asking patients, families and care partners to be patient because the process is new.
“I want to thank our patients, their families and care partners for their patience and understanding as we transition to our new system,” said CKHA Chief of Staff Dr. Pervez Faruqi. “Over the next few weeks, wait times may be a little longer as our staff and physicians familiarize themselves with the system. We are confident in our knowledge and ability and have prepared with many hours of training but as with anything new, a bit of time and practice is needed to hone our skills.”
CKHA added the new secure health records system will be in place for many years.
“This is an exciting time for us at CKHA as we undergo one of our most significant clinical transformations,” said CKHA Chief Nursing Executive Lisa Northcott. “The new system will ensure safe and secure electronic documentation, increased drug administration accuracy, less duplication of diagnostic tests, faster access to patients’ hospital records, and an improved patient experience overall.”
