New Zealand’s electronic health records system has been expanded, enabling most South Island patient records to be accessed on the same system.
Under the HealthOne initiative, general practitioners, hospital clinicians and pharmacists can now access more patient health information when it is required.
“Shared information includes test results, allergies, medications, previous hospital admissions and appointments, medical imaging and GP information,” said Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman.
“With Nelson Marlborough DHB officially joining HealthOne today, all five DHBs in the South Island are now using the same system.
“The system is very secure, with clinical staff allowed different levels of access according to their role. Access is strictly audited to ensure it is appropriate.”
HealthOne was conceived in the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquakes, which highlighted the need for health professionals to access up-to-date patient information.
It was initially developed through a partnership between Canterbury DHB, Pegasus Health and Orion Health and has been rolled out across the South Island through the South Island Alliance.
The initiative won the award for Best Technology Solution for the Public Sector at the recent NZ Hi-Tech Awards.
