North Bristol NHS Trust accepts the findings of the independent review into the implementation of our new electronic patient record system between December 2011 and March 2012.
Overall the implementation went as planned within our Emergency Department, Minor Injuries Units and on hospital wards.
However we experienced some problems in theatres and significant problems in our outpatient clinics with false appointments set up and letters sent out in error.
We once again apologise to those patients who experienced disruption. We recognise we did not deliver the high levels of service that we, and the public, expect.
Our priority is always patient safety and this was not compromised during the implementation.
Our staff were placed under extraordinary pressure during this time and showed real dedication to ensuring the best possible patient care was provided. We thank them for their hard work, including IT engineers who worked around the clock to quickly rectify problems.
The additional software and resource brought in to support front line staff and correct the problems as quickly as possible cost an additional £4.6m.
This additional spend came from the Trust’s contingency fund and not from budgets allocated to patient care.
As a result of this review, the Trust has now set up a Programme Management Office which operates independently and will rigorously challenge the management of all our projects.
This was a complex major change management programme and our new electronic records system will enable us to improve efficiency, reduce cost and provide the best standards of care for patients.
The electronic patient record system is now working correctly and we are confident that it will better equip us to meet future challenges.
Marie-Noelle Orzel,
Chief Executive
North Bristol NHS Trust