Devon Trusts Partner to Implement Epic EPR System

Key Takeaways

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust have contracted with Epic to implement a unified electronic patient record (EPR) system across Devon.
The EPR rollout is part of the One Devon EPR initiative, aiming for full operational capability by summer 2026.
The new system is expected to enhance patient care through improved information sharing and digital access for patients and healthcare teams.

Collaboration for Improved Patient Care

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust have recently signed an agreement with Epic to establish a unified electronic patient record (EPR) system for Devon. This initiative is part of the larger One Devon EPR program, which aims to create a comprehensive EPR solution throughout the region.

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust successfully implemented the Epic EPR in 2022, demonstrating its potential to enhance patient care in North and East Devon. Professor Adrian Harris, the chief medical officer at Royal Devon, expressed optimism that regional collaboration will enable significant improvements in patient care and system effectiveness.

The timeline for the rollout sees Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust scheduled to go live with the EPR in spring 2026, followed by University Hospitals Plymouth in summer 2026. The Royal Devon system will also gain added functionality, which is expected to benefit all three trusts involved in the initiative.

Simeon Brundell, chief clinical information officer at University Hospitals Plymouth, emphasized the importance of a unified EPR in overcoming challenges faced by healthcare providers who currently rely on multiple clinical systems and paper records. The new platform will streamline digital operations, allowing staff to prioritize patient care while accessing accurate and timely information.

Dr. Michael Green, chief clinical information officer at Torbay and South Devon, highlighted that the One Devon EPR initiative facilitates enhanced collaboration within the local healthcare system, transforming organizations into more digitally driven entities. This transformation is aimed at rapidly and securely sharing patient information while standardizing clinical, operational, and administrative processes.

Additionally, the EPR system will enable patients to access their health information through MY CARE, a digital platform available since 2020 for residents in East Devon and launched in 2022 for North Devon. This initiative not only improves patient involvement in their own healthcare but also fosters better communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Leslie Selby, vice president at Epic, remarked on the significance of this regional collaboration in advancing NHS convergence goals. The platform will offer patients real-time access to their health records and enhance coordination among clinicians, ultimately contributing to better healthcare outcomes across the networks.

In summary, the agreement to implement Epic’s EPR across Devon marks a significant step toward a fully integrated digital healthcare system, promising improved safety, efficiency, and patient engagement for the region.

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