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Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton (right), observes while Health Records Clerk at the Spanish Town Hospital, Karlene Lewis (second left), points out features of the Electronic Health Records (EHR) system at the hospital during yesterday’s (December 19) tour by the Minister. Others pictured are: Health Records Clerk, Jodain Samuels (seated); Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Jacqueline Ellis (left) and Senior Medical Officer (SMO), Dr Jacqueline Wright-James.
The Electronic Health Records (EHR) system is reducing waiting time for patients in the public health system, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton.
Speaking to media representatives following yesterday’s (December 18) tour of the St Catherine-based St Jago Health Centre, and the Spanish Town Hospital, the minister said medical personnel at the institutions reported that the time to access health records has been reduced by 50 per cent and less.
“It means that over time, more people are being seen by doctors and nurses. The system provides real-time assessments, real-time access, and it will ensure the phasing out of the big complaint of going to the docket office to find the paper-based file,” Minister Tufton said.
The EHR system has also been implemented at the May Pen Hospital, and May West and Mocho Health Centres, in Clarendon.
Describing the development as significant, Dr Tufton said doctors at the institutions are no longer depending on dockets to obtain information on patients.
He pointed out that as persons visit the healthcare facilities, their information is inputted into the system, and that future visits to any of the institutions will result in less waiting time, as the doctors can access their health history by clicking on a computer and will be able to prescribe treatment immediately.
The minister stressed that confidentiality of health records has been maintained in the public health system, adding that the EHR data is stored at a central location to minimise the risk of unauthorised access.
“We have done a good job in protecting health records, and this system carries with it significant advantages,” Dr. Tufton said.
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