Jersey’s Electronic Patient Record (EPR) System Update Delayed Due to WiFi Issues
IMS MAXIMS was chosen as the preferred supplier for Jersey’s EPR system in October 2021, with a planned full implementation by 2025 at a cost of £29.3m.
While the MAXIMS EPR system was successfully implemented at Jersey General Hospital in 2023, plans for further updates have been postponed due to WiFi issues. The Government of Jersey’s Health and Community Services annual report for Q2 2024 cited dependencies on the hospital’s WiFi improvement plan as the cause for delays, with new workstreams now scheduled for completion by mid-2025.
Paul Morris, digital health programme manager, highlighted the ongoing enhancements that are WiFi-dependent and assured that progress will resume once the WiFi issues are resolved.
In addition to the EPR updates, a planned ophthalmology EPR aimed at improving efficiencies has been delayed due to resource constraints, with a review set for 2025. On the other hand, the implementation of an EPR in the sexual health clinic remains on track for Q4 2024.
As part of Jersey’s digital health strategy, efforts are being made to leverage technology to improve patient care and streamline processes. While challenges with software functionality have delayed upgrades to the electronic patient medicines administration system, discussions with the supplier are ongoing to find solutions.
Jersey’s digital transformation forms part of a broader five-year strategy to become a digitally world-class health and care system. Despite issues raised in an audit report regarding clinician and manager engagement, the vision remains to deliver accessible, person-centred care through technology.
At the time of publication, the Government of Jersey had not responded to requests for comment regarding the delays in the EPR system updates.
