Northern Health’s Hospital in the Home (HITH) and Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM@Home) programs are making a significant leap forward with the full implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) today, 4 March 2025.

Previously, these services relied on a mix of paper and digital records, leading to inefficiencies in accessing patient information. Moving to a fully digital system will streamline documentation, improve communication, and ensure clinicians have real-time access to essential patient details – enhancing care at home.

“Implementing the EMR in HITH and GEM@Home is a major advancement for the teams and, most importantly, for our patients. With one connected, real-time record, we can provide safer, more efficient care while ensuring clinicians have the information they need – wherever they are,” says Daniella Chapkoun, Clinical Informatics Advisor and Project Lead, EMR.

Dr Rabin Sinnappu, Consultant, HITH, welcomed the change. “Transitioning to EMR will allow better patient care and bring HITH in line with the wider health service.”

Bridget Brendel, Clinical Coordinator, GEM@Home, added, “We’re excited to transition to EMR. It will streamline our program, reduce paperwork, and give staff instant access to patient information.”

Caroline Kilmartin, HITH Liaison Nurse, highlighted the impact on workflow and said that EMR will help bring HITH and all community services in line with the hospital’s technological transition.

“The exciting part is that care can now be documented in real time instead of waiting until we return to the office. Patient care will improve significantly through the efficiency of EMR processes.”

Terri Fiorenza, Director of EMR, calls this a key milestone.

“The EMR go-live for HITH and GEM@Home is our first since Phase 1 EMR implementation in 2023. This step brings enhanced efficiency, seamless care, and a brighter future for our teams and patients. Huge congratulations to the dedicated staff for making this possible,” she said.

Johanna Hayes, Divisional Director, Subacute Services and Hospital Without Walls, reinforces the patient safety benefits.

“The EMR will enable safer, connected care at home. With real-time access to patient information, clinicians can make informed decisions quickly, improving patient safety. Our patients are now very used to seeing nursing and medical staff using computers as part of their care in hospital, and this is the next step. Northern Health has one of the largest Hospital in the Home services, caring for both adults and children. Our patients tell us they love receiving their care at home.”

This transition reinforces Northern Health’s commitment to high-quality, patient-centred care, ensuring safer, more efficient, and better-integrated hospital-level services at home.

Pictured in featured image: Sharyn Martell, Registered Nurse with GEM@Home.