System C has formed an alliance with Bluespier to launch a “tightly integrated” theatre management solution for users of its Medway electronic patient record system.
The deal is System C’s latest partnership with another supplier, as it broadens the range of its EPR to appeal to potential customers.
The companies say the two systems are being “very tightly integrated” to achieve a secure and efficient level of interoperability, while sharing the same look and feel.
This will enable Medway users to launch the theatre management system from within Medway, in patient context, and switch seamlessly at the patient level in and out of the wider electronic case note.
Users will be able to access the theatres system from a number of areas within Medway, such as outpatients, inpatients and the patient’s homepage, while the option to view theatre diaries and sessions will be available from the Medway menu.
The Bluespier system supports all theatre management functions such as scheduling, utilisation and patient tracking, resource management, clinical documentation and coding, and local and national data returns.
It also offers a number of additional modules including stock management and an anaesthesia module with device integration.
The companies say that the integrated system will allow hospitals to optimise their use of theatre facilities, reduce administration time and improve both patients’ safety and their overall experience.
Markus Bolton, joint chief executive of System C, said the company’s work with Bluespier “sets a new standard for the integration of best of breed products, and we intend to work with other suppliers in a similar way.”
“There are many excellent products on the market which enhance patient care, and part of our role as a core system supplier is to make sure that such products can be integrated in a way that brings maximum benefits to our users.”
Susan Williams, managing director of Bluespier, said the company is “delighted” to be working with System C to strengthen its solution and grow its market share.
“This type of close integration is just what the NHS needs and we are expecting it to bring benefits to both of our user bases.”
System C has 21 major EPR sites, while Bluespier’s systems are installed at over 30 trusts. Last November, System C launched a version of Graphnet’s CareCentric shared record system designed specifically for its Medway EPR.
The company said the software would combine the data collected in Medway and other local systems into a single digital care record to enable acute clinicians to access GP, community, mental health and social care records.
Bolton told EHI News at the time that the move was part of the company’s plan to encourage adoption of shared records as outlined in NHS England’s Five Year Forward View planning strategy.
“A lot of hospitals are using Medway as their core patient management system and core clinical system, so we’re at the heart of what they do, and on that basis we’ve got to get on the front of all the emerging strategies.”