Media release 12 Aug : Electronic Medical Records (EMR) System Upgrade Confirmed for Albury Hospital

12^th August 2024

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) System Upgrade Confirmed for Albury Hospital

 In light of the Victorian Government’s recent announcement of a statewide rollout of an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, Member for Albury Justin Clancy is urging both Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and NSW Health Minister Ryan Park to expedite the upgrade at Albury Wodonga Health.

Following three years of advocacy for the upgrade, Mr. Clancy has written to both the health Ministers, advocating that the shift away from paper-based forms and documents at Albury Wodonga Health occur at the earliest opportunity, to enhance the quality of patient care and improve health outcomes.   

The upgrade is part of the Victorian Government’s $1.5b investment in regional hospitals, replacing outdated and disparate patient record systems, to facilitate seamless care and reduce patient stress. The digital system covers a range of information such as medication management, pharmacy, oncology, palliative care, and infusion/fluid management.   

“As a border-based community, it is also important that these Electronic Medical Records can be easily shared with NSW Health, as we have patients regularly moving between Albury Wodonga Health and various hospitals in our neighbouring Murrumbidgee Local Health District. 

Mr Clancy said he is encouraged that these long overdue efficiencies will improve patient flow, leading to shorter emergency room waiting times, as well as easing some of the heavy pressure our health service experiences.  

“In a speech to the NSW Parliament in May, I shared data from the Productivity Commission report called “Leveraging Digital Technology in Healthcare”, it revealed the introduction of Electronic Medical Records in a public hospital reduced the length of stays in the emergency department by 22%, as well as a 6% reduction in admitted care length of stay.

“The report also showed that 90% of GPs exclusively use digital records, with “substantial benefits” to be gained by our hospitals to reduce the risk of errors and duplicated medical tests, as well as enhancing workflows. 

“I have called on the NSW and Victorian Governments to work together, to expedite the delivery of an EMR system for Albury Wodonga Health, for the benefit of our entire community”, Mr Clancy said.