On March 13, Orbost Regional Health (ORH) held
a kick-off event to mark
the beginning of the journey towards implementing an Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
The EMR will see previously paper-based patient records converted to a digital format, improving connectivity between health services across Gippsland.
This event, supported by the Gippsland Health Alliance (GHA), gave staff a walkthrough of the EMR’s functionality, highlighting how it can improve patient care and safety.
Staff also engaged in discussions and planning to prepare for the EMR rollout.
The EMR expansion, which is set for Go-Live at the end of 2025, will use Altera Digital Health’s Sunrise clinical suite and will be implemented by GHA in collaboration with ORH.
The day was a unique opportunity for staff get up-close with the new technology, including a workstation-on-wheels.
Workstations-on-wheels are lightweight, portable carts, which allow healthcare providers to access patient records and complete documentation at the bedside.
Other highlights of the
day included discussions regarding plans for training and communications,
including how leaders can support staff through this significant change.
Chief executive officer at ORH, Vicki Farthing, said the EMR will allow ORH to improve their connectivity with other health services.
“One of our goals is
the right care, in the right time, and in the right place,” she said.
“For patients in our community who go to the larger health services to get the care they need, we will have access to their medical records and be able to continue with their management plans. “By connecting providers across the region, the EMR will promote a more seamless and coordinated patient care experience.”
ORH thanked their staff for their active participation in the event.
