The Future of Patient Care: RNOH’s Transition to Epic Electronic Health Records
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust (RNOH) is embarking on a transformative journey that promises to revolutionize patient care through the implementation of the Epic electronic health record (EHR) system. This significant upgrade, following funding approval from NHS England, is set to roll out in November 2025 across all three of RNOH’s sites: the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, the Bolsover Street Outpatient Assessment Centre, and the Enfield Musculoskeletal Community Health Hub.
A Leap Towards Digital Integration
The introduction of Epic’s EHR marks a pivotal shift from traditional paper records and various clinical systems to a single, fully integrated clinical record. This transition aims to provide healthcare professionals with immediate access to accurate and up-to-date patient information, thereby enhancing the quality of care delivered to patients. By streamlining data management, RNOH is positioning itself at the forefront of digital healthcare innovation.
Professor Paul Fish, the chief executive at RNOH, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming changes, stating, “As more hospitals move in this direction, digital innovation and transformation such as Epic’s EHR is taking patient care forward to exciting places.” This sentiment underscores the trust’s commitment to maintaining its status as the UK’s leading provider of acute neuro-musculoskeletal medicine, particularly for its complex patient demographic.
Collaboration with UCLH: A Strategic Partnership
A crucial aspect of RNOH’s implementation strategy involves collaboration with University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH). Starting in September 2024, RNOH will leverage UCLH’s extensive experience in designing, implementing, and utilizing Epic since March 2019. This partnership is expected to provide RNOH staff with invaluable insights and tools necessary for a successful transition.
Dr. Lila Dinner, deputy chief executive and chief medical officer at RNOH, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Partnering with UCLH to implement Epic will provide our staff with the right tools and insights to develop and build their skills base to ensure our patients continue to receive the safest, highest quality, and efficient care.” This focus on staff training and development is critical to ensuring that the new system is utilized to its fullest potential.
The Epic Connect Model: A Tailored Approach
RNOH’s implementation will focus on a new Epic Connect model, which aims to extend UCLH’s EHR capabilities. This tailored approach is designed to meet the specific needs of RNOH while benefiting from the established framework and expertise of UCLH. Dr. Gill Gaskin, medical director of digital healthcare at UCLH, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with our RNOH colleagues and to be able to share our experience of implementing such a huge change programme – to the benefit of even more patients.”
The emphasis on cooperation across trusts and the involvement of clinicians and patients is seen as vital for the success of the Epic implementation. Engaging all stakeholders ensures that the transition is smooth and that the benefits of the new system are realized quickly.
A Broader Trend in Healthcare
RNOH’s decision to adopt Epic is part of a broader trend within the NHS, as other trusts also recognize the need for modernized electronic patient record systems. For instance, in March 2024, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust signed a contract to implement Epic’s electronic patient record (EPR), while University Hospitals Plymouth announced its selection of Epic as its preferred EPR supplier. This growing momentum highlights a collective shift towards digital solutions that enhance patient care across the healthcare landscape.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Patient Care
The upcoming implementation of Epic EHR at RNOH is not just a technological upgrade; it represents a commitment to improving patient outcomes through enhanced data management and accessibility. With the support of UCLH and a focus on staff training and patient involvement, RNOH is poised to lead the way in digital healthcare innovation. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, the integration of systems like Epic will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of patient care, ensuring that hospitals can meet the demands of an increasingly complex healthcare environment.