Blog

Aug 26, 2023

Clinical patient data

Sir, – I was saddened to read about the difficulties that your reader with cancer had in getting a blood test locally before having to attend an oncology clinic in another hospital (Letters, August

Sir, – I was saddened to read about the difficulties that your reader with cancer had in getting a blood test locally before having to attend an oncology clinic in another hospital (Letters, August 24th).

Similar situations occurred in Northern Ireland until 2013 when the Electronic Care Record system was introduced.

Since then, all the various hospital laboratories, radiology departments and patient document systems have been integrated into a single clinical portal which can be accessed by clinicians in any healthcare situation.

Using a unique patient identifier, the healthcare professional can view all laboratory, pathology, radiology and clinical documents on their patient.

This can be accessed in the clinic, the ward and also in the GP surgery and has transformed the patient journey. No more duplication, up to date results of investigations as they are reported and visible in any hospital or clinical setting in Northern Ireland.

There is also a patient portal used by certain groups of patients to access their results, upcoming appointments and current medications.

This is not rocket science, but what should be the norm for vulnerable people with significant health problems.

There is a real need to remove the “silo” mentality about access to clinical patient data.

Sharing this information in a secure and confidential manner across the whole island would benefit all. – Yours, etc,

Dr CLIVE RUSSELL,

Omagh,

Co Tyrone.