It is not possible to link all patient record systems across Manx Care together without significant investment in developing bespoke interfaces, the DHSC Minister has said.
Claire Christian was asked about address management by Juan Watterson SHK but outlined issues across the entire health service.
The issue is that standalone systems across healthcare services largely remain unintegrated.
This is despite recommendations from independent reviews and investigations conducted by the Care Quality Commission, the Independent Covid Review, Coroner of Inquest recommendations, Royal College reviews and the visionary of Manx Care Sir Jonathan Michael all citing patient safety concerns with continuing with the status quo.
Essential
Mrs Christian said that replacing the current system with a modern Electronic Patient Record (EPR) is “essential”.
She added: “The benefits to both medical staff and patients has been acknowledged globally for many years and healthcare providers elsewhere have made significant progress implementing EPR platforms including the NHS with a target of over 90% of trusts already exceeded.
“EPR platforms are also proven to deliver financial efficiencies and drive down wastage in healthcare settings.
“Due to the aging digital systems currently supporting healthcare delivery on the island, it is not possible to link all systems together without significant investment in developing bespoke interfaces between platforms.
“Acknowledged widely, the solution is to implement a single Electronic Patient Record, Manx Care Record, across all care settings. A business case seeking investment support has been submitted and awaits approval.”
GP
In the meantime, patients are always signposted to provide their GP practice with any changes to their demographic details, with the Primary Care registrations team providing updates via email to the hospital and services in the community, such as the Vaccination Service, should a patient report a change of address or any other demographic change.
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