Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has announced a groundbreaking initiative to transition from paper-based patient files to secure electronic medical records accessible via mobile phones. This digital overhaul, unveiled on the hospital’s weekly Pulse Radio Show, aims to enhance healthcare efficiency, security, and patient accessibility. Dr. Christine Greenidge, Chief Operations Officer at QEH, detailed the plan, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize patient care. ‘We are working on our digital transformation, where patients will soon be able to access their medical records directly on their mobile devices using a private password,’ she explained. The system will also enable patients to safely share their records with private physicians, particularly beneficial for those traveling abroad. Dr. Greenidge highlighted the importance of supporting elderly patients or those less familiar with technology, suggesting that family members or next of kin assist in navigating the system. Public education programs will be rolled out to ensure widespread adoption. The initiative has already seen progress with the introduction of self-registration in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, a move Dr. Greenidge likened to the modernization of immigration services. ‘Just as passport control has become more efficient, our A&E services are now more timely and digital,’ she noted. This transformation is expected to streamline healthcare delivery, reduce paperwork, and improve overall patient experience.
