Delays Hit Pilot Ambulance IT System

The pilot of a South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust electronic patient record (EPR) has been delayed until next month after “unforeseen circumstances.”

The scheme was originally due to be tested from June, with a full roll-out expected from February 2015.

However, speaking to a UK health IT publication, the Trust revealed that the pilot would not be occurring on the original timeline.

“This complex system involves significant integration and business change. It is vitally important that we get this right,” it claimed.

“We have detailed plans to fit in with our busy operation schedule. We are confident that we have made all the right preparations and are looking forward to go live,” it added.

The Trust added that it expected no further delays and is working closely with the supplier to ensure the pilot runs smoothly when live.

Swedish Provider Chosen To Deliver New System

Swedish medical mobile solutions firm Ortivus won a contract in February to provide the Trust with an electronic care record service that captures, exchanges and reports on patient information.

The deal, which also includes South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, covers 1300 ambulances and 5000 staff across the two health organisations.

Originally, the contract covered four Southern ambulance trusts, however, two of these have since merged while one chose to remove itself from the arrangement.

 GPs will be provided with a copy of any records completed for their patients under the new services, aiming to improve care pathways.

The Trust’s board has claimed the new system will enable efficient storage, analysis and clinical audit recovery of all emergency incidents.

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