‘Epic’ countdown has begun at three Eastern Ontario hospitals

OCTOBER 31, 2022 – Excitement is building as Deep River & District Hospital (DRDH), Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) and Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) conduct final preparations for the November 5, 2022 launch of the Epic health information system at each hospital.

The three hospitals are asking the public for patience during the transition to the new system. “Putting Epic in place is a big change for staff and patients with many benefits, but it will take time to adjust,” said Brittany Rivard, KDH’s Chief Financial Officer/VP Operations and Site Lead for the Epic implementation. “Please be patient with the staff at each of our hospitals as they adjust to this new system.”

After go-live, it is expected that some processes, such as registration, documenting notes, and appointments may take a bit longer. Plans are in place to reduce disruptions and make the transition as seamless as possible. For example, each hospital has reduced the number of appointments in some areas to ensure that staff have time to care for each patient while learning to use the new system.

Planning has been underway at each hospital to prepare for the new system. Above, at Deep River & District Hospital, Allison Lepack, Manager of Clinical Services – Acute Care and Epic Certified Trainer (left) and Personal Support Worker Ashley Morrison (right) update the “Epic Journey” wall to show that each department has reached its milestones as we quickly approach go-live.

Epic replaces dozens of electronic and paper systems, making every patient’s medical information available in one secure place online. It provides a comprehensive digital health record for every patient, enhancing standardization, information sharing, and continuity of care. Simply put, Epic gives people better access to their own health information and more seamless care from their providers.

Hospital CEOs Frank J. Vassallo (KDH), Janna Hotson (DRDH), and Cholly Boland (WDMH), have one message: “We are ready! Preparation has been underway for many months with extensive staff and physician training, new equipment purchases, and improvements to the IT infrastructure. Thank you to our teams for your commitment to continually improving patient care.”

When the switch is flipped, Epic will bring many improvements and benefits for patients, families, staff and physicians. It will:

• eliminate paper-based patient health records
• replace dozens of electronic systems that don’t always ‘talk’ to each other when patient information needs to be shared across teams and services
• ensure patient information is available in one place and save staff and physicians time looking for things like test results and medication history
• eliminate the need for patients to repeat their health history at every interaction or visit
• give every member of a patient’s care team access to their health record so that critical care decisions can be made safely, and in collaboration with the patient
• make it easier for patients to access their medical record using MyChart – they will be able to view test results, see their medical history, diagnostic test results, upcoming appointments, lists of allergies and medications, and even educational materials.

The three hospitals now become part of a digital network of nine hospitals in the Ottawa region using the world-class health information system.

It’s going to be Epic!

ABOUT DEEP RIVER & DISTRICT HOSPITAL

The Deep River & District Hospital (DRDH) is a 16-bed acute care hospital located on the wooded banks of the Ottawa River, within the Town of Deep River. DRDH is part of a person-centered campus of care, which also includes the Four Seasons Lodge Long-Term Care Home and the North Renfrew Family Health Team, all on one site. Our campus of care is expanding, innovating, and modernizing to better serve our communities and further our ability to provide excellent, compassionate care, every time. Supported by a dedicated team of employees and physicians, DRDH is committed to advancing our mission of caring for every person like a loved one, within an integrated health system. With partners across the Ottawa Valley Ontario Health Team, DRDH is collaborating on new models of health care delivery that put patients, families and caregivers at the centre of the health care system. Accreditation Canada has recognized the organization’s clinical and operational performance with its highest rating, Exemplary Standing. For more information about DRDH, visit www.drdh.org.

 Media contact:

Amy Joyce: 613.584.3333 x 7100 | amy.joyce@drdh.org

 ABOUT KEMPTVILLE DISTRICT HOSPITAL

Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is a 40-bed acute care hospital located in the rapidly growing Eastern Ontario municipality of North Grenville, 40 minutes south of Ottawa. We provide 24-hour emergency care, inpatient care, advanced orthopaedic surgery (as a satellite of The Ottawa Hospital), Convalescent Care, Interim Long-Term Care, Day Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, an ever-growing list of outpatient clinics, and education and wellness programming including Diabetes Education and Support. Committed to advancing our mission of Building Healthier Communities, we are an integrated health services organization with deep partnerships in our community and region. With our partners in the Ottawa West Four Rivers Ontario Health Team, we are collaborating on a new model of health care delivery that puts patients, families and caregivers at the centre of the health care system. For more information about KDH services, visit www.kdh.on.ca.

 Media contact:

Jenny Read: 613.258.6133 x 223 |  jread@kdh.on.ca

ABOUT WINCHESTER DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

We’re here for you! That’s the message from the team at Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH). WDMH cares for families throughout our region, with a patient and family-centred approach region. It is a full-service hospital from childbirth to seniors’ care – and a hub site for cancer care, dialysis and cataract surgery. WDMH has a 24/7 Emergency Department and Diagnostic Imaging services including digital mammography and CT scans. Day surgery and specialty clinics, with visiting specialists from Ottawa hospitals, mean that patients can receive care without travelling to the city. Research and education initiatives drive quality and best practices. WDMH has an award-winning reputation for compassionate excellence. For more information about WDMH services, visit www.wdmh.on.ca

Media contact:

Jane Adams: 613.729.4864 | jadams@wdmh.on.ca