New patient record system delayed

The States of Guernsey said the first implementation stage of its new system to store patients records has been postponed

The States of Guernsey said the roll out of a new patient system was "too risky" this year.

The start date for a new system to store patient records across Health and Social Care has been pushed back.

Health and Social Care said the Committee was verbally advised on 30 April the first implementation stage of its Electronic Patient Record Replacement (EPR) would need to be extended from October to 2025.

The island's current system was from 2012, said the States, and plans to spend up to £20m were approved to replace it in 2020.

'Too much risk'

"It is critical that the transfer of old records to the new system goes well and that support for the new working practices are in place," said the States.

It said the project team were "concerned" there would be too much risk to go live in October.

It added: "Initial indications at this time are that it will be necessary to move the first implementation stage to the end of Quarter 1 of 2025.

"The wider implications, including potential cost impacts, if any, are currently being evaluated."

'Evaluated'

The Committee for Health and Social Care explained it had experienced "challenges" regarding the cost envelope for the Our Hospital Modernisation (OHM) programme.

It announced Deputy Marc Leadbeater as the new Vice-President and welcomed Deputy Gavin St Pier to the team.

Deputy Matthews has been welcomed to the EPR programme, the committee said.

It added: "These arrangements will be reviewed in the light of the commissioned work by the Head of the Public Service in terms of whether politicians are best placed on Programme or Project Boards."