Hospital patients in South Australia’s country areas are expected to benefit from the rollout of a new electronic medical record system.
Being set up in all regional hospitals and Local Health Networks (LNHs), SA Health said the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system would deliver integrated, patient-centred care across the system and streamline processes for healthcare workers.
The Minister for Health and Well-being, Chris Picton said regional hospitals were currently using an outdated software system that was no longer supported or fit for purpose.
“Improving the health and well-being of South Australians living in regional and rural locations is a priority and this investment will have a positive impact across multiple aspects of patient care,” Mr Picton said
“Importantly, it will improve the experience for our patients and result in fewer tests and x-ray imaging and better access to virtual care services, so people can receive care closer to home.”
Chief Digital Health Officer, Bret Morris said the system was already in place in most metropolitan hospitals.
“This integrated program has proven to be invaluable in the hospitals where it is already implemented, and the move to State-wide deployment is when we will see the full benefits come to the fore due to the ability to share information across our health system,” Mr Morris said.
“We look forward to working closely with regional LHNs to transition and train them in the new program so they can continue to deliver the best possible care to their communities,” he said.
Chair of the Regional Reforms and Digital Foundations Program Board, Wayne Champion, also welcomed the rollout announcement.
“The system will significantly benefit those patients whose health journeys involve care across different health services and in different health settings, including Adelaide residents who might access health services when holidaying or working in regional South Australia,” Mr Champion said.
The EMR implementation at regional LHNs will take place in partnership with Digital Health SA over 24 months, starting early this year.
