IMPROVED ACCESS TO DIAGNOSTICS FOR RURAL AND NORTHERN RESIDENTS

Patients in two northern health regions will benefit from reduced waits and improved access as a result of a secure computer system for the storage, retrieval and display of diagnostic images such as X-rays and CT scans. The eHealth system is called the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).

PACS will securely connect the diagnostic imaging tools of Kelsey Trail Health Region and Athabasca Health Authority with radiologists and specialists in Prince Albert and Saskatoon, and every other PACS system in Saskatchewan.

Today's PACS announcement addresses recommendations in the Patient First review by improving access to diagnostic and specialist services for residents of Northern Saskatchewan. Authorized health care providers will be able to access digital images such as x-rays, CT Scans and MRIs done in their regions and in other centers, through their electronic medical record systems (EMRs).

"This announcement is very exciting for rural and northern patients," Carrot River Valley MLA Fred Bradshaw said on behalf of Health Minister Don McMorris. "Using PACS, a radiologist or specialist can view digital x-rays etc. and discuss treatment advice with the local health care provider, from anywhere in the province. PACS is a tool that makes health care safer and faster, and helps to reduce the need for residents to travel long distances to receive health care."

"Being on PACS will help provide continuity of care, closer to home," Athabasca Health Authority CEO Vince Robillard said. "We are grateful for the leadership of Kelsey Trail Health Region, they helped us connect to eHealth's provincial PACS repository."

"This is a proud day for Kelsey Trail Health Region," Kelsey Trail Health Region Board Chair Wilf Veller said. "Last year, we were the first health region in the province to connect all acute care sites with a regional PACS and today we are celebrating the fact that all six of our hospitals are now linked to the provincial system. Without the generous support of the trusts and foundations in the communities of Hudson Bay, Kelvington, Melfort, Nipawin, Porcupine Plain and Tisdale who funded the first step of this initiative four years ago, we would not be celebrating this day so soon."

In total, six facilities in Kelsey Trail Regional Health Authority have access to the PACS system, joining numerous other health facilities, province-wide, in adopting this eHealth system. It is anticipated that by the end of 2012 the system will serve every health region, connecting and strengthening provincial digital imaging capacity and response times.

Approximately five million images are added to the provincial PACS system every month. This secure eHealth tool currently securely stores over 124 million images from 1.12 million studies such as x-rays, CT scans, mammography, MRIs, nuclear medicine and ultrasounds.

Safeguards are in place to ensure that only health professionals involved in patient care access personal health information. Policies, procedures and electronic security protect the information from unauthorized use, error or loss.

PACS and the Pharmaceutical Information Program (PIP) are the first components of a provincial electronic health record. More information is available at www.health.gov.sk.ca/pacs.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083 Peggy Ratcliffe
Kelsey Trail Health Region
Phone: 306-873-6613