MOUNT Gambier Hospital has officially tossed paper in favour of a new electronic medical record system which was connected this week.
The major regional medical hub flicked the switch on the new SA Health system on Tuesday, which aims to improve efficiency and management of patient records nationwide.
Long-standing hospital orthopaedic surgeon Dr Barney McCusker said the system would fundamentally improve in-patient care.
“This step will move Mount Gambier’s health sector into the 21st century,” Dr McCusker said.
“It is the next generation of medicine and we are pleased to see it arrive to the region.
“I think the main aim for the system is to allow health professionals to look after patients in the best way possible.”
Limestone Coast Local Health Network chief executive officer Ngaire Buchanan said the modern technology was an exciting change.
“Staff can access patient information electronically to order tests, medications and review results at the patient’s bedside,” Ms Buchanan said.
“Patients will benefit from more efficient care, with improved safety outcomes and will no longer need to repeat their medical history at subsequent visits.
“As always, the privacy and confidentiality of our patients is paramount and only clinicians with appropriate security rights can access patient records.”
Dr McCusker said the electronic system would benefit all hospital departments, adding there would be an adjustment period for staff.
“It has been working well so far here and like everything there has been some initial problems,” he said.
“There are many safety controls when you look into it and I know I am looking forward to using it, as well as other staff in the hospital.”
Dr McCusker said staff had around two weeks of preparation before the system was introduced.
“We have been practicing how to use the system on dummy patients and practice scenarios,” he said.
“Staff are getting used to driving the system and we are finding the introduction quite smooth.
“We also have over 20 fantastic system support members on-site – wearing light blue vests – who are like angels sitting on our shoulders whenever we need help.”
The support staff will be on-site for the next two weeks.
The orthopaedic surgeon thanked state health minister Stephen Wade for pushing for system improvements.
“Minister Wade’s team took over the original EPAS system and stripped it down, rebuilt and made it much better and user-friendly,” Dr McCusker.
“These new improvements will safeguard the patients and are for the betterment of medicine.
“If we can show it works here in Mount Gambier then hopefully we will see it other rural South Australian areas as well.”
Dr McCusker said the system incorporated new equipment, including mobile record devices, more screens and printers.
“It will ultimately eliminate a lot of paper,” he said.
Dr McCusker said the new system allowed documentation to be transmitted at the “speed of electrons” to other South Australian health professionals.
