August 2023 Blog

Alice Webster, Chief Executive Officer at QEHKL and Senior Responsible Officer for the EPR Programme

Empowering Patients and Staff with the Electronic Patient Record (EPR)

I am thrilled to write my first blog for the EPR Hub and to formally introduce myself as the programme’s new Senior Responsible Officer and the Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn. With a career spanning over three decades in nursing and leadership, I am passionate about improving healthcare delivery for patients and staff so recognise the difference a project of this magnitude will make.  

Following Sam Higginson (who has moved to new role at NHS England), I have some ‘big shoes’ to fill however want to assure you that I’m joining the programme with enthusiasm and determination to continue the great strides already made in our EPR journey. This technological advancement is set to revolutionise the way we provide care and streamline our acute hospital processes, ultimately benefiting both our patients and staff.

The EPR is more than just a tool; it's a transformational force that promises to reshape the way we approach patient care. It grants our healthcare professionals instant and secure access to the information they need, precisely when and where they need it. This instantaneous access ensures better coordination and smoother experiences for our patients across the three acute hospitals in our region.

Imagine a world where healthcare staff can provide faster, personalised care, armed with the most up-to-date patient information at their fingertips. The EPR enables quicker access to patient records, enabling staff to make informed decisions promptly. By reducing the need for paper records and sharing information digitally, we significantly minimise the potential for human error, ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time.

One of the most exciting aspects of the EPR system is its empowerment of our healthcare workforce. With the EPR, our dedicated staff members will have access to a digital treasure trove of information, drawn from various sources, all compiled into a single, reliable source. This means less time spent searching for physical records and more time devoted to delivering high-quality care.

Additionally, the EPR supports collaborative care, allowing multidisciplinary teams to work together seamlessly. By sharing historical notes on diagnoses and treatments, our staff can provide continuity of care, contributing to safer and more effective patient journeys. This all helps make the experience better for our patients, their carers and their families.

With the EPR, we're taking another significant step toward the goal of improving lives in Norfolk and Waveney. Patients will benefit from more responsive care, as healthcare professionals will have access to the latest information about their healthcare needs. This holistic view will help identify potential health concerns early, leading to faster diagnosis and treatment.

Furthermore, the EPR ensures that patients make the most of their time with healthcare providers. No longer will they need to unnecessarily rehash information previously discussed; instead, they can engage in more meaningful conversations about their health and well-being.

This transformative system is not just about digitising records; it's about enhancing care quality, improving outcomes, and creating a more engaged and informed patient population.

The EPR revolution is not a solitary endeavour; it's a collective effort that involves every member of our team. Together, we will create a robust framework for measuring and reporting benefits, ensuring that every staff member plays a vital role in this transformative process.

I am confident that the EPR will bring about positive change, paving the way for a more efficient and patient-centric healthcare landscape in Norfolk and Waveney.

I encourage all staff to take any opportunities to get involved in the EPR programme by joining the Change Network and helping shape what our EPR will do for us and those who use our services.  Let me know if you want to be more involved or have any great ideas for the future via the EPR Hub.

Being able to deliver the right care in the right place matters to patients and staff alike matter so it’s important we make this the best we can. Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey toward a brighter, digitally empowered future.