Electronic Health Records System Launched at May Pen Hospital

The Government has commenced implementation of its multibillion-dollar Electronic Health Records (EHR) System at public health facilities, which will ensure seamless interface of critical diagnostic imaging.

Speaking at the unveiling of the system, at the May Pen Hospital in Clarendon today (January 11), Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said it is part of a mission to transform the delivery of healthcare with increased use of technology.

“This linking of health records means that cross-matching and information sharing between health centres and hospitals will now be possible, and significant savings for the patients as test results become readily available and the possibility of completing tests more than once is reduced,” the Minister explained.

The EHR system is being implemented as part of the Health Systems Strengthening Programme, for which Jamaica has received a loan of US$50 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

A portion of that sum has been applied to the acquisition of the EHR System.

It has core components of the modern practice of healthcare delivery.

It will be implemented at several hospitals and health centres, and among other things, allow healthcare providers access to review a patient’s full medical history via a database, whether at a health centre or hospital.

The Minister underscored that the capture of “critical health information” data will assist the formulation of “better evidenced-based” policymaking and programme design, where telemedicine also becomes a reality, with collaboration among specialists and primary care health professionals made possible in and outside of the island.

He said benefits will include shorter wait times for patients, less cost in providing services, increased productivity, reduced staff frustration, and increased service-satisfaction levels.

“We welcome these improvements, which augur well for safeguarding the best possible outcomes for the people of Jamaica,” the Minister said, noting that the EHR system is the wave of the future for the public health sector, and “we are embracing it, and the benefits”.

Other facilities to benefit from the system are St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital, May Pen West Health Centre, Chapelton Community Hospital, May Pen East Health Centre, Greater Portmore Health Centre, St. Jago Health Centre, Old Harbour Health Centre, St. Ann’s Bay Health Centre, Ocho Rios Health Centre, and Brown’s Town Health Centre.