We are introducing an Electronic Patient Records (EPR) system as part of this commitment.
Our journey towards a fully integrated EPR system will unfold over the next 12 years. This is a significant and complex process that we are dedicated to getting right for our patients and for our staff.
While patients may notice some improvements sooner, our goal is to ensure that the system ultimately enhances how your care is organised, allowing us to deliver safer, more effective, and personalised care.
What is an EPR?
The EPR (sometimes called an EHR or Electronic Health Record) system is a digital tool that brings together all your medical information, including medical history, test results, and prescribed medications, into a single, unified platform.
Currently, your records are stored in various formats, such as paper documents and multiple digital systems.
Adopting an EPR system will integrate all your medical data into one electronic record. This will allow your clinician (regardless of where they are in our Trust) to access all the details of your care in real time, improving the quality of your care. Importantly, as a patient, you will only need to provide your information once.
Sometimes when we speak with patients, an EPR can be confused with the NHS app or My Health and Care Record. Below are the differences between these systems:
EPR (Electronic Patient Records)
EPR (Electronic Patient Records): This is an internal system that will be used by staff within our Trust to access and update your medical information in real time. It ensures that all your medical data is consolidated into one electronic record, improving the coordination and quality of your care.
My Health and Care Record (MHCR)
My Health and Care Record (MHCR): This is a patient-facing portal, accessed through the NHS app for patients in Sussex. MHCR allows you to view your health records, book appointments, and communicate with your clinicians. It is designed to give you more control and visibility over your health information.
NHS App
NHS App: This is a national app provided by the NHS that allows you to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. Through the NHS app, you can book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and view your GP medical records.
Why is an EPR so important?
When we interact with patients, we document all conversations, treatments, advice, and procedures. This record is crucial for your safe and effective care. Currently, these records are stored in digital formats, some on paper. This can be time-consuming and may result in delays or you having to repeat your medical history.
A single EPR system will solve this problem. It will remove the need for multiple systems carrying the same information, making our Trust more efficient. Whether you are seen at SRH, PRH, or online, your clinician will have real-time access to your records, ensuring your care is coordinated and seamless.
An EPR does more than just digital notes. It allows clinicians to order tests and medications online, check results from anywhere, and see bed availability. It helps in care planning, identifies potential risks or allergies, and brings information together to spot health issues early. While an EPR won’t replace the expertise and judgment of our clinical staff, it will enhance their ability to provide the best care possible.
When will the EPR come into effect?
At the moment, we are in the early phases of beginning to look for a supplier to create our new EPR, with the goal of having it up and running by 2027. In the meantime, we are working hard to do everything we can to prepare our staff, and our patients for the change.
One of the first and key parts of our new EPR is the introduction of the Electronic Document Management System (eDMS). This involves scanning all patients’ physical medical records into one secure place, making them available 24/7, 365 days a year. This will serve as the foundation for our future EPR. We are in the process of completing this over the next 18 months.
What does EPR mean for me?
The new EPR will bring lots of benefits for our patients:
- You only need to share your medical history once instead of repeating it several times.
- We’ll get rid of paper records, which will make your information even more secure and easier to access.
- Handovers between healthcare professionals will be smoother, making sure everyone is up to date on your care.
- There will be less paperwork, so our staff have more time to focus on you.
How will the EPR improve patient safety?
An EPR system will allow our clinicians to monitor your treatment across all locations at the Trust. The system will also ensure you receive the right care at the right time, reducing the likelihood of errors. It will also highlight any critical safety information on your record, such as allergies.
We understand some patients worry about the security of their electronic records. Please be assured the EPR system will a clear record and audit trail of your treatment and the clinician responsible for your care. This ensures accountability and transparency with your medical care.
Is EPR secure?
Yes, your medical records will remain secure and will only be able to be accessed by authorised staff, just as they are now. We have strict policies in place to ensure this.
Contact us
Want to know more, have questions or are interested in getting involved in the EPR journey? Send us an email:
