To better serve patients, three Eastern Ontario hospitals are implementing ‘Epic’ new health information system

Deep River & District Hospital (DRDH), Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) and Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) will be going live with the Epic health information system in November 2022, ushering in tremendous benefits for patients and their care providers.

Epic is a powerful digital health information system that uses the latest technology to securely store, organize, and access patient records while maintaining patient privacy. It provides a comprehensive digital health record for every patient, enhancing standardization, information sharing and continuity of care.

Simply put, patients will get better access to their own health information and more seamless care from their providers.

With Epic’s private MyChart portal, patients will have their health story at their fingertips. Anywhere, anytime, MyChart subscribers can see their medical history, diagnostic test results, upcoming appointments, lists of allergies and medications, and even educational materials.

“Epic replaces the current hospital information systems made up of multiple electronic and paper-based systems containing different parts of a patient’s health record,” explained Cholly Boland, CEO of WDMH. “Epic gives the patient’s care team the information they need at their fingertips and is proven to reduce wait times, length of stay in hospital, and readmission,” he added.

By implementing Epic, DRDH, KDH, and WDMH become part of a digital network of nine hospitals in the Ottawa region using the world-class health information system.

“The driving force behind the decision to implement Epic now was our commitment to continually improve patient care and the patient experience,” said Frank J. Vassallo, KDH’s CEO. “Once live with Epic, we will be able to provide seamless care as part of a fully integrated network of hospitals in the Ottawa region all using the same system.”

This means that when a patient is transferred between hospitals who use Epic, 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. Within each hospital, the information will be available and up to date everywhere in the facility, improving communication, quality care and patient safety.

While the switch to Epic requires a large amount of internal planning and training, staff at each of the three hospitals are embracing the change. “We are very pleased with the enthusiasm of our team as we work towards implementation of Epic”, explained Janna Hotson, the CEO of DRDH. “Our providers recognize that the integration and collaboration that this Epic partnership provides will ultimately lead to safer, more efficient care.”

DRDH, KDH and WDMH will all be going live with Epic on November 5, 2022.

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