SOUTHWEST HOSPITALS LINKED FOR PROVINCIAL SHARING OF DIAGNOSTIC IMAGES

Innovative technology is helping patients in Cypress Health Region benefit from reduced waits and better access to diagnostic imaging services now that their diagnostic test results can be viewed electronically by authorized health care providers in Swift Current and across the province.

A patient with a broken bone can have an x-ray taken in the nearest health facility in Shaunavon, Maple Creek, Leader or Herbert, and have that x-ray read within minutes by a specialist at Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current. In the case of emergencies, diagnostic images can be accessed in advance of the patient being transported to another facility.

"We are putting patients first by extending the reach of the province's diagnosticians to immediately access diagnostic images where the need is greatest," Rural and Remote Health Minister Randy Weekes said. "It's exciting to see this region-wide innovation to make safer and faster health care accessible closer to home."

The Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) is a secure computer system for the storage, retrieval and display of diagnostic images such as x-rays, CT scans, mammograms and MRIs. Long-distance consultations with patients are augmented using the Telehealth video-conferencing service, while the Saskatchewan Radiology Information System (RIS) tracks patients and medical imaging procedures.

"One of the challenges in our health region is the vast geography that patients and health providers face," Cypress Health Region CEO Beth Vachon said. "Having region-wide access to this advanced technology in our hospitals will help to bridge the gap between patients and their health providers, as well as between health providers all over the province and the country."

"Supporting patient care with improved access to important clinical information is a key part of our mandate," eHealth Saskatchewan CEO Susan Antosh said. "We are continuously working with health regions across the province to implement electronic systems that will enhance the patient experience through improved co-ordination, efficiency and effectiveness."

Cypress is the first Saskatchewan multi-site health region to install provincial RIS/PACS technology in all of its acute facilities. Throughout the province, 36 acute care facilities can access the PACS repository of 3.4 million diagnostic images. The results from about 55,500 exams are added every month.

About eHealth Saskatchewan

eHealth Saskatchewan is a Treasury Board Crown corporation responsible for the development and implementation of electronic health systems, including the Pharmaceutical Information Program which stores prescription drug information from every community pharmacy in the province, the Saskatchewan Lab Results Repository which stores laboratory result records from the Saskatchewan Disease Control and regional laboratories and other clinical information systems to support patient care in a variety of settings.

About Cypress Health Region

Cypress Health Region provides health services to about 44,526 residents in southwest Saskatchewan's nearly 80 rural and urban municipalities spanning 44,000 square kilometres. A wide range of acute, emergency, long-term care, primary health, community health and related services are provided directly by Cypress or by affiliated organizations.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083

Bryce Martin
Cypress Health Region
Swift Current
Phone: 306-787-5117