Decisions on which sites will go live in 2022 and into 2023 are expected following engagement with local sites and a February 22 meeting of the IHealth Executive Steering Committee.
A number of ongoing challenges across the region – for example, related to COVID-19 pandemic response, global supply chain issues, staffing shortages and extreme weather events in recent months – impacted the schedule for IHealth activations in 2021 and into this year. Despite these challenges, Island Health made substantial progress last year to advance use of the electronic health record thanks to the dedication and hard work of Island Health medical and clinical staff, with support from project staff collaborating with local site and department leaders, managers and many corporate departments.
The Summit Care Residence, Comox Valley Nursing Centre, Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH), Victoria General Hospital (VGH) and Port Alice Health Centre launched the EHR in 2021.
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) – the first acute care hospital in Island Health to launch the EHR in 2016 – achieved another major milestone, going live with Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) in the emergency department this year, completing NRGH’s transition to full EHR functionality.
As well, the MyHealth online patient portal surpassed 160,000 citizens signed up for 24/7 access to their personal health information.
Sites anticipating activations in 2022 and 2023 include Cowichan District Hospital, Saanich Peninsula Hospital, West Coast General Hospital, and Gorge Road Hospital Long Term Care.
Look for further updates following the February Steering Committee meeting, in this newsletter and through various other regular information channels for medical and clinical staff.