East Cheshire NHS Trust and Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are working together to create a joint electronic patient record (EPR) system.
Working with Meditech, the two trusts intend to replace their current paper-based records with a digital clinical system (DCS) with a planned launch set for 2024.
The digital clinical system will use the cloud-based Meditech Expanse electronic patient record. This will enable staff at the two trusts to capture and view up-to-date information to ensure they have the data they need when they need it.
This real-time access to data will give staff the technology they need to carry out their roles efficiently, and help them to deliver joined up, integrated care.
Patients at the trusts will benefit from an improved patient experience, and the system will help support safer care too.
Ged Murphy, chief executive of East Cheshire NHS Trust, said: “This collaboration between the two trusts provides a unique opportunity to transform the experience of both patients and staff. We must continue to embrace digital technology to become more flexible and meet the needs of a growing and ageing population, and this new electronic patient record will play a vital role in that work.”
Russ Favager, interim chief executive at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: “Digital innovation is at the forefront of our ambitions to modernise services and provide outstanding care for the communities we serve. Being able to share information more effectively with our health and care partners will also support moves towards more informed, coordinated care across the region, with patients at the centre of everything we do.”
With a contract signed with Meditech, East Cheshire and Mid Cheshire will now develop, build and test the system.
Charlotte Jackson, CEO of Meditech International, said: “By partnering to deliver a shared electronic patient record, East and Mid Cheshire are taking an important step forward to improve care for the communities they serve. The digital maturity they will gain from Expanse supports the goals outlined by the Frontline Digitisation programme. As a result, their healthcare organisation will be among the most technologically advanced in the UK.”
East Cheshire and Mid Cheshire are following in the footsteps of Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust – who also signed up for the Expanse EPR as part of its efforts to elevate itself to HIMSS Stage 7.