eCARE is the Trust’s name for the electronic patient record system.
Cerner is the world’s largest publicly traded health information technology company providing leading-edge solutions and services for health care organisations worldwide.
When we went out to the market to procure the system, Cerner came out on top to provide the system that fulfilled our requirements.
We have already completed the first phase of the system build which included behind the scene code upgrade which will enable functionality of eCARE.
Phase B will be the main roll-out in May 2018. It will include clinical documentation, maternity, order comms, electronic prescribing medicines administration, PAS updates, ED, health information exchange and the emergency back-up system 7/24.
The final phase will go live in 2019 and will include theatres, paediatric care and DOCC.
£30 million over 10 years. While this figure may appear high it is within government guidelines for the digitisation.
The aim is to go live across the whole hospital. During the go-live period we will operate as we would as an internal major incident and additional support will be available so that we are
able to provide services as normal.
It is also worth noting that during the build the system and the equipment purchased to operate it will be thoroughly tested to ensure any issues are dealt with before go-live.
We are already in a digital world where booking holidays and shopping are done online and it would be a mistake for MKUH not to embrace the advantages that a digital system could deliver for both patients and staff.
As a Trust we are continually striving for excellence and digital modern and up to date patient record system will create the backbone for transformation across the hospital which we will need to serve the changing community of Milton Keynes.
eCARE will deliver a number of benefits for staff including:
There are numerous benefits for patients and many of the benefits for patients will be similar to those of staff. However, the main benefit that patients will see is that a single record will be created which will mean that they do not have to keep telling their story which will make their visit to the hospital smoother.
More information is available on the eCARE information hub on the intranet.
In addition you can contact any of the work stream leads: Sharon Webb – Nursing; Mary Plummer – Maternity; Andy Taylor – ED; Helen Botwood – Order Comms; Mark Baines – Doctors/AHPs; Jo Mayhew – PAS; Mike Standen – EPMO and; Joe Battams – 7/24 HIE
We have in place a robust business continuity plan which has recently been tested by cyber attacks. Our IT team are regularly updating the systems and are continually working with NHS Digital to ensure that we consistently remain ahead.
Health care organisations across the UK are implementing similar systems and we would be at a disadvantage if we did not implement our own. Across our local area there are plans to link health and social care digitally and therefore we simply couldn’t play our part without the planned changes.
Initially, it will feel like additional work as staff will be unfamiliar with the system however, over time it will actually make things much easier and quicker.
West Suffolk, Imperial College, Bath, Newcastle, Oxford, Royal Berkshire, Homerton, Calderdale and Huddersfield, Newham and Surrey and Sussex. We are working collaboratively with West Suffolk who installed a similar system 18 months ago to learn from their experiences and adopt best practice.
Yes, with the patient’s consent. The information however, will only be shared with GPs and community care personnel who are involved in the care of the patient.
Yes. We will be investing heavily in new equipment which will include 24 WOWs – work stations on wheels and we will looking at drug carts with monitors as well as additional desk top computers.
If you haven’t already been involved please do get in touch with one of the eCARE team.
Yes, face to face training will begin in January 2018 for all staff who will be using the new system. There will also be additional resources made available to allow staff to use to the new system including opportunities to play on the system in a safe area which Cerner call a called ‘sandpit’ environment as well as learning contract and e-learning.
In addition, we will be training 200 super users who will become experts on the system and provide additional 24/7 support to ward/department staff during the roll-out period to help
them learn and get use to the changes.
If you are able to shop online or book a holiday through a website you should be able to use the new system. We understand that staff will feel nervous about using eCARE and that is why superusers will be available for staff to support anyone struggling to use the system.
We are currently working with our system partners to ensure that the new system will be compatible with theirs or at least be able to be connected. This work is ongoing. If it is practical we will provide community midwives with mobile devices that allow them to work remotely without having to come into the office.
