The Tasmanian Government has named Epic Systems as its preferred EPR supplier, in a move said to signal the “next exciting stage” in executing its $476 million digital health transformation strategy (Bluegum Health Transformation). Dependent on contract negotiations, it is hoped that work will begin on the solution in May 2026.
Following what is described as a “rigorous and detailed” procurement process which “highlighted the wide range of solutions available on the market”, the government names Epic Systems as its preferred vendor, adding that contract negotiations are currently underway. “Assuming we can reach a mutually agreeable contract position, we hope to begin building an ‘epic’ new EMR solution for Tasmania in May 2026,” it adds.
The digital healthcare transformation strategy is now reportedly in its second stage, with work to maximise existing resources and enhance access to current systems completed at the end of June 2024. For this second phase, focused on establishing a comprehensive digital health record and developing diagnostic systems to support primary care, with a key focus on “modern” EMR capabilities, improved patient flow, well-integrated clinical systems, and enhanced information sharing across care settings.
“Foundational work has included upgrades to digital infrastructure and expanded public Wi-Fi, which are key steps toward enabling virtual care, especially in rural and remote areas,” the government shares. “The Bluegum Health Transformation will now shape the future of Tasmanian healthcare, focused on delivering system-wide change.”
The Tasmanian Government also recently shared that it had hit a milestone, with more than 100,000 referrals received on its eReferrals system since its launch in 2022. The system was developed as part of a collaborative partnership between Primary Health Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government to replace a handwritten and fax-based system. It works by logging a referral with a specialist service or clinic, before notifying GPs of receipt to ensure patients receive the appropriate treatment.
The Australian Digital Health Agency recently released the Health Connect Australia Strategy, Architecture and Roadmap as part of the launch of the national health information exchange project, Health Connect Australia. The overall aims of the programme look at improving access to health information between healthcare participants while also addressing the “evolving needs of Australians and healthcare providers” by enhancing the digital infrastructure in place.
Last year, HTN also caught up with Peter O’Halloran, Chief Digital Officer at the Australian Digital Health Agency, to learn more about current projects and priorities, what’s in the pipeline for digital and data across the next five years, progress toward Australia’s National Digital Health Strategy, and more.
Wider trend: EPR
East Cheshire NHS Trust and Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have launched the MEDITECH EPR, from 14 June the organisations started their transition to the EPR. The trust shared further details about the system and what it means for patients and staff, adding that the system will reduce reliance on paper records at both organisations, as well as laying the foundation for future innovation in patient care.
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust annual plan for 2025/26 has highlighted its electronic patient record system to play a key role in its transformation, following an “extremely tough year financially, with less income and the need to make £61m of savings”. The EPR programme, set to go live in September 2025, will bring the trust in line with other London trusts, as well reduce the c.4.6million pieces of paper the trust produces every month currently.
Health and Social Care in Guernsey have issued an update on their electronic patient record programme, stating that “further work is needed” in several areas before they can start implementation. The first phase of the programme is underway and reportedly “on track to go live with implementing the upgraded software in Child Health and Children’s Services by the end of August”, however the implementation of the EPR system has been delayed in four other areas. This includes acute, adult community, adult disability services and mental health.
