Three Eastern Ontario hospitals announce successful launch of ‘Epic’ health information system

DECEMBER 15, 2022 – Deep River & District Hospital (DRDH), Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) and Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) are delighted to announce the successful launch of the Epic digital health information system at all three hospitals on November 5, 2022.

“Epic has ushered in a new era in health care at our hospitals, both for patients and their care providers,” said KDH CEO, Frank J. Vassallo. “The credit for the successful launch goes to our dedicated care teams at each of our hospitals, who spent many months training and preparing for go-live.”

“We also want to thank the patients and families in our communities for their patience and understanding as our teams adapt to the new system,” added Cholly Boland, WMDH’s CEO, noting that the three hospitals reduced some services over the first few weeks following the launch to ensure that staff had time to care for each patient while learning to use the new system. Each hospital was focused on reducing disruptions for patients and making the transition as seamless as possible.

This photo was taken at KDH’s Epic Go-Live at 5am on November 5th. In the photo (left to right): Frank Vassallo CEO, Catherine Miller RN, Spencer Hayward RPN, Amy McLaughlin Epic Project Support/Educator, Brittany Rivard CFO & VP of Operations + Epic Project Lead, Cathy Burke RN Epic Clinical Lead, Cara Duhaime Physiotherapist.

“Thanks to the support received in our hospitals’ early weeks with Epic from The Ottawa Hospital and our partner hospitals across the region, we were able to work together and ensure a smooth and successful transition,” said DRDH CEO Janna Hotson. “Our sites were ready and prepared to resolve issues as they arose in those first few days with the new system. Now that we are more than a month in, we are looking at continuing to improve the system at each of our hospitals.”

A command centre providing 24-hour support for any Epic issues was established at all three sites for a period of time following the launch; on an ongoing basis, ‘credentialed trainers’ at each hospital continue to provide daytime and after-hours support for the care teams when issues arise. Additionally, all three hospitals report that their staff and physicians are helping and supporting each other.

A 24-hour command centre was established at each site to oversee the launch. On an ongoing basis, Epic experts continue to provide ongoing support for the care teams when issues arise. All three hospitals have also reported that their staff and physicians are helping and supporting each other.

“Epic has challenged the teams to work differently and adapt to new workflows,” said Jennifer Ellis, KDH’s VP Nursing/Clinical Services. “The teams have done a remarkable job adjusting and, most importantly, teaching and bringing each other along. It’s been a very successful start and, like the rest of my team, I am excited to see what is next!”

Here is a recap of the benefits of Epic for patients and providers:

• Epic uses the latest technology to securely store, organize, and access patient records while maintaining patient privacy, providing a comprehensive digital health record for every patient.
• Epic replaces dozens of electronic and paper-based systems, making every patient’s medical information readily available to their providers in one secure place online.
• Epic gives patients better access to their own health information through the MyChart portal. Anywhere, anytime, MyChart subscribers can see their medical history, diagnostic test results, upcoming appointments, lists of allergies and medications, and even educational materials.
• Epic improves patient safety by reducing errors.
• Epic is proven to reduce wait times, length of stay in hospital, and readmissions.

By implementing Epic, DRDH, KDH, and WDMH have become part of a fully integrated network of nine hospitals in the Ottawa region using the state of the art health information system. This means that when a patient is transferred between hospitals, critical information will be available immediately to their new healthcare team and the patient will not have to repeat their medical history over and over. The result is more seamless care.

For more information about Epic and how to register for MyChart, please visit your local hospital’s website.

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