The Allan Labor Government is delivering a better, more connected health system - reducing paperwork for doctors and nurses so they can focus on giving Victorian patients the care they need, when they need it.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today announced as part of system-wide reform, the roll out of a connected Electronic Medical Record System to all Victorian hospitals is now underway.
An investment of $21.4 million will support work to upgrade record keeping at four more health services to use electronic systems, helping to ensure that health services have timely access to secure, accurate, and up-to-date patient information.
Currently, Victoria's 76 health services use different patient record systems, some of them paper based - a system that is outdated and inefficient.
Replacing paper-based records at health services with electronic medical records helps healthcare workers to deliver higher quality care, reduces the risk of medical errors, and supports the more efficient delivery of services.
Health services to be supported in the planning and and implementation of electronic medical records include:
The Royal Eye and Ear Hospital
Eastern Health
Hume Rural Health Alliance - made up of 15 health services including Alpine Health, Benalla Health, Goulburn Valley Health and Northeast Health Wangaratta
Grampians Rural Health Alliance - made up of eight health services including East Grampians Health Service, Central Highlands Rural Health and Maryborough District Health Service.
These upgrades also mean that a patient's medical records move with them - regardless of the hospital they're being treated at.
Hospitals Victoria and the Department of Health will work with health services to deliver this connected and standardised electronic record management system.
Digitising medical records is also a priority of the Health 2040: Advancing Health, Access and Care plan, which highlights the importance of using e-health and communications technology to improve outcomes for patients.
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"We're upgrading and modernising our state's world-class health system to ensure that now and into the future, Victorians can rely on our hospitals to deliver efficient, faster care at an even higher standard."
"Patient privacy is paramount and these electronic medical record upgrades will give those accessing care the confidence to know that their personal information is secure."
As stated by Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino
Modernising these medical record systems ensures locals who use the Angliss will benefit from a safer and more efficient system when they are getting care."
As stated by Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor
"Upgrading the medical record system ensures our community receives the best and most efficient healthcare available close to their homes."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"This investment will help our local health services prepare to roll out EMR across the Hume region - making life easier for our hardworking doctors and nurses."
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
"Expanding the electronic medical records system into our region will not only benefit our local hospitals, but it will also help give patients peace of mind that their medical records will be up-to-date and easily accessible wherever they receive treatment."
