Timaru Hospital has introduced the Cortex digital patient documentation platform, replacing paper notes and giving clinicians real-time access to patient information at the bedside.
The system allows doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to securely access and update patient records using mobile devices, as well as receive test results and other diagnostic information as they become available.
Cortex also includes digital task management, allowing healthcare teams to assign, track and update patient care tasks.
Health New Zealand South Canterbury Chief Nurse Anna Wheeler led the governance team responsible for introducing Cortex at Timaru Hospital.
“Moving from paper notes to a modern electronic record system is a significant step forward for patient care in South Canterbury. It gives clinicians access to the information they need when they need it, helping them provide safer, more coordinated care,” Ms Wheeler said.
“Cortex will give our teams real-time visibility of clinical records and patient observations, support communication and care planning between hospitals, and improve the quality and availability of clinical documentation.”
The rollout involved six months of planning and preparation, including the deployment of more than 200 new digital devices, upgrades to the hospital’s Wi-Fi capability and training for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.
Health NZ Digital Services Programme Director Jon Herries said the system would also support patients receiving care across Timaru and Christchurch.
“Information is available immediately at the bedside and provides clinicians with a shared view of a patient’s care, wherever they are. This is particularly valuable for patients receiving care across both Timaru and Christchurch, with records available to clinicians in both locations at the same time,” Mr Herries said.
“Having the right information available at the right time supports better communication between healthcare teams and helps ensure patients receive timely, well-coordinated care throughout their hospital journey.”
Add Comment