NEW SYSTEM BRINGS INCREASED EFFICIENCY TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IN PRINCE ALBERT HOSPITAL

A new electronic system in Prince Albert Parkland Health Region is leading to more timely treatment of patients and more productivity in the emergency room.

An electronic tracking board helps co-ordinate the care of patients from the time they enter the emergency department to the time they leave. As well, secure access to patients' health care information means a more complete patient history is available for caregivers on which to base patient care decisions.

"This system puts the patient first," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "It helps caregivers quickly identify a patient's level of need and provide care accordingly. Using this system improves the care experience for patients and their families."

"With the up to the minute information on the display boards, a patient's health status and location is always known and nursing staff can see at a glance when any of their team members need assistance," Victoria Hospital Nursing Unit Manager of the emergency department Traci Hobson said.

"The Prince Albert Parkland Health Region is excited to use this new eHealth tool," Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Chairperson Gord Dobrowolsky said. "It is important that we provide our physicians and staff with tools that can improve access, reduce wait times and improve the patient experience."

Information displayed on this system is secure and private. Only authorized caregivers have access to patient information. Identifiable patient information is never displayed on the public tracking boards.

The tracking system in Victoria Hospital joins similar systems at two hospitals in Regina and three hospitals in Saskatoon. Expansion is planned for later this year into the Yorkton Regional Health Centre in the Sunrise Health Region and into Moose Jaw Union Hospital in the Five Hills Health Region, in early 2012. Future plans include expansion of this system into other regions throughout the province.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083 Doug Dahl
Prince Alber Parkland Health Region
Phone: 306-765-6409