The launch of Nova Scotia’s new $365-million electronic medical records system is being delayed until December.
In a recent memo, Dr. Nicole Boutilier, EVP of medicine at Nova Scotia Health, stated the clinical information system is under reassessment.
She noted that adjustments are typical for projects of this scale, with the One Person One Record system expected by summer.
The One Person One Record (OPOR) system will allow healthcare providers in Nova Scotia to access real-time patient data.
In January, Dr. Nicole Boutilier stated the system would launch at IWK Health Centre by August, with additional hospitals in November.
The delay was first reported by the Halifax Examiner.
No clear reason for the postponement has been provided, and interview requests with IWK and Health Department officials were declined.
A Health Department spokesperson explained that healthcare providers currently use an average of five systems to access complete patient health information.
They also confirmed that the project’s budget remains unchanged, though the province has not yet disclosed information about ongoing operating costs.
An IWK spokesperson stated that despite significant progress, the launch date was postponed for additional training and preparation time.
Dr. Shelly McNeil, president-elect of Doctors Nova Scotia, noted that delays are to be expected with a project of this scale.
McNeil stated that implementing a modern hospital-based clinical information system is a major effort crucial for improving patient care.
“Everyone is working hard to launch OPOR, and while meeting timelines is hoped for, proper implementation is essential.”
