The Norfolk and Waveney Acute Hospital Collaborative is pleased to announce that after a rigorous procurement process, MEDITECH, a world leader in integrated digital systems, has been selected as the supplier for their new Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system. Following the successful approval of the financial plan by the three Trust Boards and NHS England earlier this year, this partnership marks a significant milestone in the collaborative’s ambition to revolutionise healthcare information storage and provide better joined-up care.

The new digital patient record solution for the collaborative, formed of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH), James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (JPUH), and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust (QEHKL), is poised to elevate staff and patient experiences, transforming acute hospital healthcare by storing patient information electronically and streamlining communication between patients and staff. The EPR will introduce time-saving features and facilitate safer, more personalised care, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of care provided by the three Trusts.

Alice Webster, Chief Executive Officer at QEHKL and Senior Responsible Officer for the EPR Programme, said: “The Electronic Patient Record programme is hugely exciting and a flagship project for the three acute hospitals in Norfolk and Waveney, and we’re delighted to have taken another step forward by choosing MEDITECH as our supplier.”

She added: “The EPR service will improve patient care and allow us to manage clinical information to make it more easily available for hospital clinicians, other healthcare professionals, and patients.”

The collaboration among clinical and administrative staff, managers, and Digital Health colleagues has been instrumental in driving this transformative project forward. Martin Evans, EPR Programme Director said: “More than 270 members of staff from the three hospitals took part in a rigorous evaluation process for the procurement of our new EPR system. Through strong partnership working, they evaluated tender responses and contributed meticulously to more than 700 requirement evaluation worksheets. This monumental effort, overseen by the EPR Procurement Team, was instrumental in determining the most suitable supplier for our hospitals’ new EPR system.

“Engaging staff members from diverse backgrounds, including clinical, administration, and technical settings, allowed us to incorporate a wide range of perspectives and experiences into the evaluation process. This collaborative approach ensures that the chosen supplier will be capable of meeting the distinct requirements of both our dedicated staff and valued patients.”

Throughout the procurement process, the hospitals have diligently audited their current systems to understand what is required to implement the new EPR service and identify areas where seamless integration with existing technology is essential.

Dr Ed Prosser-Snelling, Executive Chair of Clinical Design Authority and EPR Senior Responsible Officer for NNUH, said: “Investment in Electronic Patient Records is the foundation that will further enable our clinical teams to use digital technology and solutions to provide our patients with the best possible care.”

MEDITECH, renowned internationally for its fully integrated digital solutions for healthcare, was selected as the supplier for their exceptional expertise and track record. With over 20 customers throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, including NHS and private healthcare organisations, MEDITECH demonstrated an ability to deliver safer, more efficient patient care through their EPR solution.

“Like many places in the world, healthcare in the UK is undergoing tremendous change and selecting an EPR that meets the needs of an organisation and its patients now and into the future is essential. We are honoured to be selected by the Trusts after their thorough evaluation and look forward to working together on the next phase of their EPR journey,” said Charlotte Jackson, CEO, MEDITECH International.

Mr Vivek Chitre, Chief Medical Officer and EPR Senior Responsible Officer for JPUH said: “Building one EPR system for our patients and staff will transform how we deliver care and work at all of the acute hospitals in Norfolk and Waveney. It will improve safety, efficiency, and the overall experience for our patients and their families.”

The EPR system is a major milestone in the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System’s (ICS) Digital Roadmap, which promises investment in technology and the rollout of more digital tools to enhance care across the region.

Ian Riley, Director of Digital and Data for the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board said: “With MEDITECH as our chosen EPR system supplier, we are now poised to elevate staff and patient experiences across our acute hospitals and provide safer, more personalised care. Together, we are committed to enhancing the overall quality of care for people and communities in the region as part of our wider digital strategy.”

As the Norfolk and Waveney Acute Hospital Collaborative embarks on this transformative journey with MEDITECH, the partnership aims to create a more connected and advanced healthcare system, improving patient outcomes and experiences across the region.

Lisa Cooke, Chief Clinical Information Officer and Interim EPR Senior Responsible Officer at QEHKL said: “It’s fantastic that the EPR programme has hit this landmark in a journey which has spanned many years. I applaud the dedication it has taken to arrive at this point.”

For more information about the 3-acute EPR please visit https://www.nwepr.co.uk/.