Two NHS trusts in Cheshire have revealed plans to share an electronic patient record system.
East Cheshire NHS Trust and Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS FT plan to introduce one system, known as the Digital Clinical System (DCS), across the two trusts.
The trusts have signed a contract with electronic patient record supplier MEDITECH, a system which is used by neighbouring trusts such as Liverpool Women’s NHS FT.
Both trusts will now develop, build and test the system ahead of a planned launch in 2024.
Russ Favager, Interim Chief Executive at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, commented on the news: “Digital innovation is at the forefront of our ambitions to modernise services and provide outstanding care for the communities we serve. Being able to share information more effectively with our health and care partners will also support moves towards more informed, coordinated care across the region, with patients at the centre of everything we do.”
Ged Murphy, Chief Executive of East Cheshire NHS Trust, added: “This collaboration between the two trusts provides a unique opportunity to transform the experience of both patients and staff. We must continue to embrace digital technology to become more flexible and meet the needs of a growing and ageing population, and this new electronic patient record will play a vital role in that work.”
Sonia Patel, System CIO and Director of Levelling Up, NHS England and NHS Improvement, added: “This is a key milestone in their digital transformation journey and will provide clinicians with critical, real-time access to health information – ensuring frontline staff have the technology they need to do their jobs and provide the best possible joined up and integrated care plans for their patients.”
