NSW Health has begun the process of designing its statewide single digital patient record after finalizing contractual arrangements with software vendor Epic Systems. The selection of Epic Systems to power this digital patient record occurred in November of the previous year, following a tender process that ran in 2020. This digital platform will enhance patient care and streamline healthcare processes across New South Wales.
The signing of the contract marks a significant milestone in the project, enabling NSW Health to enter the next phase, which involves collaborating with all branches of NSW Health to design, build, and test the single digital patient record. The objective is to create a world-class digital platform that caters to the diverse needs of clinicians, staff, patients, and caregivers. Susan Pearce, the Secretary of NSW Health, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s progression and the opportunities it offers.
A projected timeline for the six-year project has been unveiled, with design and construction taking place between 2024 and 2025. The Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) has been designated as the first district to adopt the new platform in 2025. The sequencing of other local health districts is under consideration, and a readiness assessment is underway. Work within the remaining districts, along with deployment to NSW Health Pathology, is scheduled for the period between 2026 and 2029/30.
This project aims to establish an integrated all-in-one electronic medical record system, patient administration system, and pathology laboratory information system throughout NSW Health. By having a unified system, the project seeks to ensure consistency and continuity of care for all patients while also streamlining the processes that clinicians follow. NSW Health is making a significant step toward achieving a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system.
