Electronic patient record
£44m game changing investment will benefit patients in north east London
We're delighted to announce we're introducing an electronic patient record (EPR) that will be fully operational in two years’ time. We’re one of the last trusts in London to move to an EPR and away from our unhealthy reliance on paper. We generate 25 million pieces of A4 a year – laid end to end, they’d stretch to New York.
There are many advantages for patients of this £44m investment in a new digital system. It is being provided by Oracle Cerner and the version we’re installing is the same as the one being used at Barts Health. We’ve benefitted significantly from their knowledge and expertise.
Our closer collaboration with Barts Health means that the records of someone visiting any one of the seven hospitals run by BHRUT and Barts Health will be accessible to the clinical team.
Welcoming the EPR announcement, Jacqui Smith, Chair in common at BHRUT and Barts Health, said: “This is our integrated group’s biggest and most consequential achievement. Through collaboration, BHRUT has received invaluable support from Barts Health as it introduces this long overdue digital system. Our joint working will make life better for residents and staff.”
The introduction of an EPR will improve patient safety at our Trust and reduce errors. Medical records will be more accurate and the reduction in form filling will free up time for clinicians to focus on their patients. All the relevant information – including blood tests, current medication and medical history – will be easily available to those treating patients across the integrated group’s seven hospitals – one patient, one record.
Matthew Trainer, our Chief Executive, said: “This is a game changer that will move our Trust out of the digital dark ages. It is an exciting and positive development. Patients and staff will reap the rewards for decades to come.”
NHS England is providing £1.9 billion to NHS trusts to ensure they all meet a core level of digitisation and have electronic patient record systems in place. This investment in digitising the frontline will ensure that health and care staff have access to health-related information when and where it is needed, supporting them to deliver care efficiently, effectively and safely, reducing variation and improving outcomes.
Find out more in our FAQs below.
What is an EPR? FAQs
What is an electronic patient record (EPR) system?
An EPR system is a digital platform that brings all your patient information, from medical history to results of investigations and medications prescribed, together in one place.
Currently we hold your records in different places, such as paper-based notes and on several digital systems.
Once we implement an EPR system, all your medical information is kept together in one single electronic patient record. This means your clinician can see everything relating to your care in real time, helping to improve the quality of care we provide. It also means as a patient, you only need to give us your information once.
The system we are introducing is called Millennium and is supplied by Oracle Cerner.
Why are we introducing an electronic patient record (EPR) system?
Having access to all your information in one place will help improve the quality of care we provide. For example, clinicians will have a full picture of your medical history and treatment in our Trust at their fingertips, which will help inform and speed up decision-making.
We can also run services and manage our hospitals more efficiently as your information is added to your record and available in real time. This means at any given point we can see where a patient is in our hospitals, what beds are free, and when a patient may be ready to go home.
Across the country, NHS England is providing £1.9 billion to NHS trusts to ensure they all meet a core level of digitisation and have electronic patient record systems in place. This investment in digitising the frontline will ensure that health and care staff have access to health-related information when and where it is needed, supporting them to deliver care efficiently, effectively and safely, reducing variation and improving outcomes.
Will it link up with other local trusts and healthcare providers eg my GP?
Staff at both BHRUT and Barts will be able to access your records, which will include treatment and care you receive at both trusts.
As well as our Trust EPR, there is also the east London Patient Record (eLPR) system, which we will be connected to. This is accessible by any NHS organisations on eLPR, for example your GP if they are part of the system. It also means we can helpfully access your GP records.
As this develops, it will support a much better service across the whole of the NHS, as any health professional who needs access to your records will be able to see everything in the one place, which will help ensure you receive the best possible treatment.
Is EPR secure?
Yes. Access to your records will only be available to authorised staff, as it is currently – there is a strict governance policy around this.
Information will be stored offsite in secure data centres which also makes it less vulnerable to cyber-attacks or to outside agencies. All patient data will be stored in the UK.
Will patient safety be improved in your hospitals?
Yes. One of the biggest benefits is our clinicians can see what’s happening with your treatment from any of our sites.
The system will give prompts to clinicians such as doctors, nurses and therapists to make sure that you get the right care at the right time, which minimises errors. Plus, it will flag up important information such as allergies.
Can I opt out of having an EPR?
As your EPR is key in ensuring we provide the best care possible and can continue to improve the way we work, you can’t opt out. There will not be alternative record keeping systems.
What happens if the system goes down and you can't access my record?
There will be several back-up plans in place, including a back-up system which will give access to essential information.
Will I be able to see my EPR?
Yes, you will be able to request your records, as you can do currently.
If you want copies of your child's health records, you will also need to supply proof of your identity and your parental responsibility.
Access to health records legislation allows us to share health records of a deceased person with authorised representative(s) or any person who may have a claim arising out of that person’s death. If you are requesting personal information about someone who has died you will need to supply a copy of their death certificate and proof that you are the executor or a beneficiary within the last will and testament.
To access your personal information please email bhrccgs.accesstohealthrequest@nhs.net or send a request in writing to: Subject Access Team, Health Records, 1st Floor Blue Zone, Queen's Hospital, Romford, Essex, RM70AG.