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New digital health information system

To better serve patients, six Eastern Ontario health partners implement new digital health system together

Working together in our digital age so that personal interaction will continue to be the foundation for compassionate, excellent care

OTTAWA – May 30, 2019 – Six regional health partners, including The Ottawa Hospital, will begin to use Epic’s health information system on June 1, bringing patient-centred care to the digital age. As part of a health information system, each health partner will have real-time access to patient medical information, allowing health-care providers to make timely, informed decisions based on the most comprehensive, and connected information. As a result of this new health information system, patients and providers can look forward to improved collaboration among partners to continue to deliver compassionate, excellent care.

“Too often, patients use precious time explaining and re-explaining their story as they navigate through our health system. When patients arrive at The Ottawa Hospital, or any of our regional health partners, their care team will be better connected to their health story and ready to provide the compassionate care that every patient deserves,” said Dr. Jack Kitts, President and CEO, The Ottawa Hospital. “A health information system is important because patients are partners in their own health care, and this digital health network will allow for greater collaboration not only between the hospital partners, but with patients and families as well.”

“This digital health network means we can provide more seamless care to all patients in a secure, private environment,” said Dr. Virginia Roth, Chief of Medical Staff, The Ottawa Hospital. “Health partners working together will ensure that in our digital age, personal interaction and privacy will continue to be paramount, so that we can continue to improve patient safety, quality and care across our region and beyond.”

During the first few weeks, while staff at the hospital become accustomed to the new system, it is anticipated that some processes may take longer than normal. To minimize potential delays, the hospital is adding extra staff in certain areas. Patients can be assured that they will continue to receive the best care possible.

As part of the new digital health network, patients will have greater access to their own information through a secure, online portal called MyChart. With MyChart, patients can see their own health records and other important information, right at their fingertips. This will allow them to collaborate with their care teams, better manage their own care and be more in control of their health information.

Using a health information system supports the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care’s mandate to have a more integrated health-care system that improves patient outcomes.

These six partners join hospitals and health-care providers across Ontario also using Epic’s health information system, such as CHEO in Ottawa, SickKids and Mackenzie Health in the GTA and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

The six regional health partners include: The Ottawa Hospital, The Ottawa Hospital Academic Family Health Team, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Hawkesbury and District General Hospital, Renfrew Victoria Hospital, and St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Barry’s Bay. New partners may come on board as early as January 2020, and the system is designed to improve collaboration between all health partners in our region and beyond.

Media Contact:

Michaela Schreiter, Media Relations Officer
The Ottawa Hospital
General Campus
501 Smyth Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6

613-737-8899 ext. 77299
mschreiter@toh.ca

The Ottawa Hospital

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