Epic launch – information for patients
On 5 October 2023, we launched Epic, our new electronic health record system. Our staff use electronic health records to securely store all the information about your care in a quick, easy to use electronic format.
Epic will improve the care we provide for patients and transform the way that we work by replacing a number of historic IT systems and paper records currently in use at the Trust.
However, as we introduce Epic and staff get used to using a new system, you may notice some changes to our services and the way we communicate with you.
On this page you can find details about these changes, as well as what you can expect if you visit any of our sites for an appointment during the first few weeks of Epic launching.
We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding as we adapt to using this new system. If you have any questions, please speak to a member of staff.
Appointments and visiting our hospitals
- There may be some delays and longer waiting times as we get used to the new system. Please allow a little more time at appointments for checking-in and waiting
- If you have been referred to us for a blood test appointment, please be aware that your visit to our clinics may take a little longer than usual.
- You may also notice more staff around our hospitals when you visit us. These staff are supporting clinical teams to use the new system
- Our staff will have access to new technology and phone-sized devices called Rovers. Please be aware that staff using these devices are not on their phones, they are using them to provide patient care
- If you are due to have a video appointment with us after 5 October 2023, please be aware that video appointments will be held on Microsoft Teams rather than eClinic. Any links to join video appointments sent before 5 October will not work. You will receive a new link 24 hours before your appointment, and a reminder one hour before. We encourage you to sign up to MyChart, our app and online portal for patients. You can use MyChart to see your future appointment details and joining links.
Changes to how we communicate with patients
Your preferences for receiving communications
Information you previously gave us about your communication preferences will not transfer to the new system.
This means we will no longer have up-to-date information about how you prefer us to communicate with you about appointments and your healthcare, and if you need any particular formats or support.
You can set or change your preferences by:
- using our app and online portal, MyChart, to set your preferences
- contacting the service directly
- asking a member of staff when you have your appointment or when you book it
- Opting-out of certain formats by following instructions on text messages and digital letters.
If you need language support, contact the service your appointment is with directly. They can arrange for a translator.
BadgerNet Maternity Notes portal
If you are having maternity care with us, we’ll invite you to sign up to MyChart, a new app and online portal. MyChart will replace our current portal, BadgerNet. You can still access BadgerNet after 5 October, but you won’t see any new information as we’ll use MyChart to update your records.
If you have any questions, please speak to your midwife or contact the maternity team.
Messages to family members and carers
If you’re a family member, carer or guardian, you might receive text messages about a patient’s care.
To make sure you continue receiving appointment confirmations and reminders from us after 5 October, please speak to the service directly.
You can also use MyChart, our app and online portal for patients. With proxy access, you can view a patient’s health record, appointment details and set your preferences for how we communicate with you. You can find more information about MyChart on our website, or speak to the service to request an account.
Receiving texts from different numbers
Sometimes, we use different numbers to send patients text messages about their appointments and care. We’ll let you know it’s from the Trust in the message.
If you’ve received a text message from us and you’re not sure, please contact the service your appointment is with.