Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust has announced a major digital transformation programme with the signing of a contract with Epic to provide the trust’s future electronic patient record solution. This move marks a significant step for the renowned specialist centre, as it looks to modernize and streamline its IT systems.
The trust, which is a leading provider of highly specialized services to women, children, and young people, will be replacing its current IT systems, including patient administration and legacy specialty systems, with Epic’s EPR solution. This decision comes after the merger of the Birmingham Women’s Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital in 2017, which created the need for a more unified and efficient system.
Chief Executive Matt Boazman emphasized the importance of the new EPR system in transforming patient care and streamlining clinical information management. The move towards a single EPR is expected to bring numerous benefits to both staff and patients, including greater oversight and integration of patient records, improved user-friendliness, and a reduction in the trust’s reliance on paper.
This significant investment in digitization aligns with NHS England’s initiative to ensure that all trusts have electronic patient record systems in place, ultimately supporting health and care staff in delivering efficient, effective, and safe care. The trust aims to leverage the new system to reduce its carbon footprint and engage patients and families in the management of their care.
The Vice President of Epic, Leslie Selby, expressed enthusiasm for BWC’s decision to join their collaborative community, highlighting the positive impact the EPR system will have on patient care in Birmingham and beyond. The contract with Epic represents a crucial step in the trust’s journey towards a more advanced and integrated approach to patient care and clinical data management.
