Six regional partners switch on Epic

OTTAWA – Six regional health partners, including The Ottawa Hospital, began to use Epic’s health information system on June 1, bringing patient-centred care to the digital age. As part of a health information system, each health partner has real-time access to patient medical information, allowing healthcare providers to make timely, informed decisions based on the most comprehensive, and connected information.

The six regional health partners include: The Ottawa Hospital, The Ottawa Hospital Academic Family Health Team, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Hawkesbury and District General Hospital, Renfrew Victoria Hospital, and St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Barry’s Bay. New partners may come on board as early as January 2020, and the system is designed to improve collaboration between all health partners in our region and beyond.

“Too often, patients use precious time explaining and re-explaining their stories as they navigate through our health system. When patients arrive at The Ottawa Hospital, or any of our regional health partners, their care team will be better connected to their health story and ready to provide the compassionate care that every patient deserves,” said Dr. Jack Kitts, president and CEO, The Ottawa Hospital.

“A health information system is important because patients are partners in their own healthcare, and this digital health network will allow for greater collaboration not only between the hospital partners, but with patients and families as well.”

“This digital health network means we can provide more seamless care to all patients in a secure, private environment,” said Dr. Virginia Roth (pictured), Chief of Medical Staff, The Ottawa Hospital. “Health partners working together will ensure that in our digital age, personal interaction and privacy will continue to be paramount, so that we can continue to improve patient safety, quality and care across our region and beyond.”

During the first few weeks, while staff at the hospital become accustomed to the new system, it is anticipated that some processes may take longer than normal. To minimize potential delays, the hospital is adding extra staff in certain areas. Patients can be assured that they will continue to receive the best care possible.

As part of the new digital health network, patients will have greater access to their own information through a secure, online portal called MyChart. With MyChart, patients can see their own health records and other important information, right at their fingertips. This will allow them to collaborate with their care teams, better manage their own care and be more in control of their health information.

Using a health information system supports the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s mandate to have a more integrated healthcare system that improves patient outcomes.

These six partners join hospitals and healthcare providers across Ontario also using Epic’s health information system, such as CHEO in Ottawa, SickKids and Mackenzie Health in the Greater Toronto Area and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

The Ottawa Hospital
The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals, with more than 1,200 beds, approximately 12,000 staff members and an annual budget of about $1.2 billion.
Our focus on learning and research helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.