16 March 2017
Following the recent launch of Jersey’s Digital Health and Care Strategy, work has begun to connect the primary and secondary care IT systems that serve the Island.
The Health and Social Services Department (HSSD) and Jersey GPs are working with two of their strategic IT partners, software specialist EMIS Health and leading database supplier InterSystems.
When completed, this work will deliver the first key element of the Digital Health and Care Strategy. This will enable GPs to request hospital diagnostic tests electronically and to receive the results directly to their PC. This is an essential step towards delivering the vision set out in the strategy document, leading to improved patient care and greater efficiency at the hospital and GP surgeries.
Dr Nigel Minihane, Chairman of the Primary Care Body, which represents the Island’s GPs, said, “This is a very important and positive start to the delivery of our strategy. Once implemented, this will be a critical step forward for clinicians enabling data to be ‘wrapped around’ the patient. It facilitates the other health strategies prioritising 'right care, right place, right time', minimising repetition and errors, and enhancing patient experience.”
Jason Turner, Director of Finance and Information for HSSD, said, “I am delighted that we have been able to progress so quickly from launching the strategy to commencing implementation. This is an integral element of our overall programme of transforming and modernising the delivery of health and social care in the Island.”
Dr Graham Prince, Hospital Consultant, said, “The value of using technology to support patient care is unquestionable. Once implemented, this solution will speed up communication between the hospital and GPs, ensuring that tests can be performed and results delivered to patients as quickly as possible.”
Tony Moretta, Chief Executive of Digital Jersey, said, “I was very pleased to be able to launch our shared vision for Digital Health in January this year. This is a key priority for the Island as it will go on to create positive benefits for all Islanders in many ways over the course of the next decade. I am particularly impressed with the timely move to implementation and the joined-up approach adopted by HSS and GPs. I am also pleased that EMIS Health has partnered local technology company Total Solutions Group in delivering this project – it’s a great example of government working with providers both on- and off-Island.”
Progress on the strategy was also welcomed by the Minister for Health and Social Services, Senator Andrew Green.
“This is an excellent example of how working together can deliver real benefits for patients and clinicians,” he said. “It will ensure that we are best able to provide modern, safe, sustainable and affordable services for Islanders.”
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