Northland DHB introduces intra-hospital e-referrals

Referrals between hospital departments in Northland DHB can now be made electronically, saving precious time and improving patient safety.

GPs have been e-referring into hospitals in the region since 2013 but referrals between hospital departments were paper-based until the beginning of this year.

In a groundbreaking move, Northland DHB has partnered with Clanwilliam Health (formerly HealthLink) to build an integration into the hospital platform to enable e-referrals to be sent between hospital departments and beyond.

E-referrals can now also be made from hospital departments to a wide range of community providers, private specialists and, in the near future, to Auckland-based tertiary services. Some community and government organisations can also e-refer into the hospitals.

Northland DHB digital projects clinical director Dr Alan Davis says eliminating paper referrals improves efficiency and patient safety.

“Patient safety is key. Paper referrals are high risk because they can go missing, have incomplete information or poor handwriting, which can be hugely problematic and time-consuming for everyone involved,” Dr Davis says.

“It’s about building a patient-centred health ecosystem using patient-centred digital referral networks.”

Anyone to anyone e-referrals

Dr Davis says the ultimate goal is an e-referral platform in which anyone can refer to anyone within the wider health ecosystem.

“We are now moving towards that goal where anyone can refer to anyone using a single integrated platform, which would be a New Zealand first.”

Clanwilliam Health director of customer experience Paul Graham says referrals come into hospitals from GPs electronically, so the next logical step was to make referrals between hospital departments and beyond electronic as well.

“We are leveraging existing investment in HealthLink SmartForms to improve patient outcomes and help drive paper out of hospitals,” he says.

E-referrals can also be sent to hospitals in other DHBs, for example, from Whangarei Hospital in Northland DHB to Middlemore Hospital in Counties Manukau DHB.

“Again, this saves time and hassle and ensures the referrals are arriving at the intended destination with all the complete information.”

Background information:

HealthLink: HealthLink, which is part of Clanwilliam Health, is a market-leading health system integrator in New Zealand and Australia. Nearly all secure clinical communications used in New Zealand are shared through HealthLink and it’s the largest provider of secure clinical messaging services in Australia.

For media assistance, please contact:

Maggie McNaughton

Clanwilliam Health publicist

021 613198

maggie@healthycomms.co.nz


Clanwilliam Health Expands Availability of Healthcare Solutions to help support the COVID-19 Response

Plans include expansion of eScript, an electronic prescription notification service and an accelerated rollout of video consultation system for consultants and GPs

 

Friday 20th March 2020 – Healthcare technology company, Clanwilliam Health, today announced the national expansion of its electronic prescription notification service, eScript, in an effort to help Irish GPs and pharmacies as they seek to deal with the impact of COVID-19 here in Ireland. The company also announced plans to accelerate the roll-out of its video consultation service for private consultants and GPs to allow them to consult with and triage patients without bringing them into their clinic. In recognition of the current healthcare crisis, these services will be made available for free to GPs, Consultants and pharmacies throughout the coming months.

The eScript service has undergone extensive testing by Clanwilliam Health through a network of 705 GPs and 445 pharmacies who now use the service day-to-day. The eScript service safely sends a secure notification of the prescription details directly from the GP’s computer to the patient’s chosen pharmacy allowing that pharmacy to start preparing the prescription before the patient gets there. An automatic text message can also be sent to the patient once the prescription is ready for collection. With the need for social distancing and many people nervous about going to shops and pharmacies, this solution can help people get their prescription fulfilled without the need to handle the script or to stand around waiting in a pharmacy environment.

In a further effort to support patient care, Clanwilliam Health is also making the move to accelerate the availability of video consultations for consultants and GPs in Ireland. This new feature within the Company’s healthcare focused software systems will enable consultants and GPs to conduct remote video consultations with their patients through their software system. This means that all video consultations are securely conducted within the software which already maintains a digital record of the entire patient medical history including previous consultations, prescription details, treatment records, and allergy information.

This new functionality was released to 300 medical consultants this week. Plans to accelerate the rollout have been put in place so that the service is available to all consultants and GPs during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate the best social distancing practices for all patients, particularly those in high risk categories. The next phase will make the service available to over 50% of GPs in Ireland in the weeks ahead, in turn serving over half of the patient population in the country. Clanwilliam Health expects the service to be available in all its products within a matter of months.

“The impact of COVID-19 is widespread across the country and we know that during this time our healthcare professionals are under enormous pressure. While the focus is on flattening the curve and stopping the spread of the virus, there are still people who need contact with their medical professionals to treat other minor illnesses and in other cases support them with existing conditions. Through the range of services we’re announcing today we want to help the healthcare sector at this time, and particularly GPs and pharmacists, to help them meet their patients’ needs while still practicing the advice of social distancing.”

– Eileen Byrne, Managing Director of Clanwilliam Health

For further information please visit www.escript.ie and www.clanwilliamhealth.com.

Clanwilliam Health Expands Availability of Healthcare Solutions to help support the COVID-19 Response

Plans include expansion of eScript, an electronic prescription notification service and an accelerated rollout of video consultation system for consultants and GPs

 

Friday 20th March 2020 – Healthcare technology company, Clanwilliam Health, today announced the national expansion of its electronic prescription notification service, eScript, in an effort to help Irish GPs and pharmacies as they seek to deal with the impact of COVID-19 here in Ireland. The company also announced plans to accelerate the roll-out of its video consultation service for private consultants and GPs to allow them to consult with and triage patients without bringing them into their clinic. In recognition of the current healthcare crisis, these services will be made available for free to GPs, Consultants and pharmacies throughout the coming months.

The eScript service has undergone extensive testing by Clanwilliam Health through a network of 705 GPs and 445 pharmacies who now use the service day-to-day. The eScript service safely sends a secure notification of the prescription details directly from the GP’s computer to the patient’s chosen pharmacy allowing that pharmacy to start preparing the prescription before the patient gets there. An automatic text message can also be sent to the patient once the prescription is ready for collection. With the need for social distancing and many people nervous about going to shops and pharmacies, this solution can help people get their prescription fulfilled without the need to handle the script or to stand around waiting in a pharmacy environment.

In a further effort to support patient care, Clanwilliam Health is also making the move to accelerate the availability of video consultations for consultants and GPs in Ireland. This new feature within the Company’s healthcare focused software systems will enable consultants and GPs to conduct remote video consultations with their patients through their software system. This means that all video consultations are securely conducted within the software which already maintains a digital record of the entire patient medical history including previous consultations, prescription details, treatment records, and allergy information.

This new functionality was released to 300 medical consultants this week. Plans to accelerate the rollout have been put in place so that the service is available to all consultants and GPs during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate the best social distancing practices for all patients, particularly those in high risk categories. The next phase will make the service available to over 50% of GPs in Ireland in the weeks ahead, in turn serving over half of the patient population in the country. Clanwilliam Health expects the service to be available in all its products within a matter of months.

“The impact of COVID-19 is widespread across the country and we know that during this time our healthcare professionals are under enormous pressure. While the focus is on flattening the curve and stopping the spread of the virus, there are still people who need contact with their medical professionals to treat other minor illnesses and in other cases support them with existing conditions. Through the range of services we’re announcing today we want to help the healthcare sector at this time, and particularly GPs and pharmacists, to help them meet their patients’ needs while still practicing the advice of social distancing.”

– Eileen Byrne, Managing Director of Clanwilliam Health

For further information please visit www.escript.ie and www.clanwilliamhealth.com.

A message to our customers

We want to reassure our customers that it is business as usual at Bluespier and we are prepared and ready to help during this challenging time.

We are carefully monitoring and assessing any impact or potential impact of Covid-19 on our business operations. In line with our business continuity plans, we have implemented robust measures to ensure our clinical software and service to our customers remains uninterrupted and of high standard.

We are taking multiple steps to minimise health risks to our workforce, our communities and to the valuable NHS staff by facilitating working from home practices and holding all customer meetings virtually. Our support lines remain open via the usual communication channels and our Account Management team are always available to help with customer queries.

As a business, we are also flexible and ready to support any adjustments you need to make to upcoming projects. Should you require any assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

We are hiring! New vacancies at Bluespier International

Technical and Upgrade Specialist

Working within the exciting Technical Team, you will perform Bluespier system upgrades, manage internal technical infrastructure, provide 3rd line technical support to customers (NHS organisations) and provide technical guidance on system implementations.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • To provide 2nd/3rd line support for all technical support issues
  • Responsible for internal network infrastructure (phones, routers, internet lines etc.)
  • To perform Private Practice and NHS upgrades
  • Internal Bluespier email management/administration
  • NJR uploads for all necessary Trusts
  • Management of all Private Practice backups and disaster recovery of Private Practice data
  • Management of business continuity and disaster recovery
  • Liaise with Trust/System C IT to set up new sites and ensure all infrastructure is fit for purpose
  • Perform SQL server administration on data centre and where needed within NHS business
  • Provide out of hours emergency support (1 week a month)
  • Provide input on information governance and business continuity with relevant parties
  • Maintenance and purchasing of computer equipment internally
  • Internal technical assistance for Bluespier employees
  • Creation of new Bluespier customer sites
  • Data exports for customers leaving Bluespier
  • Documentation and training for the Technical Team
  • Data protection champion for Bluespier
  • Purchase and management of software for internal and business use
  • Internal user account management

GENERIC TASKS:

  • To keep updated with all new literature and information and maintain a thorough knowledge of new procedures and quality processes.
  • To work closely with other team members to complement and support the organisation’s delivery and development.
  • Any other duties as directed by the Managing Director
  • At all times to work within the organisations Health and Safety policy and ensure so far as is reasonable that safe working practices are established, maintained and followed.
  • To work closely with customers to understand their requirements using a variety of mediums of in person, over the phone, and over the internet

DESIRED SKILLS:

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent
  • A genuine interest in the IT and healthcare sector
  • Good communication skills, a proactive approach and positive attitude
  • Proven ability to manage multiple tasks at a time whilst paying strict attention to detail
  • Full UK driving licence

BENEFITS:

At Bluespier, you can expect challenging projects, task ownership, outstanding training and professional development, and ultimately, the chance to grow a career in an experienced company directly helping to improve patient care in the NHS. As well as a competitive salary and excellent Droitwich office location, you can look forward to further benefits including: Annual Bonus, Free Parking, Company Pension Scheme, 25 days holiday and frequent company social events.

 

Customer Support and Training Advisor

Working within the Customer Support and Training Team, you will help maintain long term relationships with customers, provide high quality training and ensure overall customer happiness.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The role includes a variety of customer support and troubleshooting tasks, including:

  • Being the first point of contact for external customer support queries & issues via phone & email ensuring that, wherever possible the call is dealt with
  • Maintaining customer log of calls on the call database, to refer external customer support queries to an appropriate member of staff ensuring that full and accurate details of the query is first obtained to enable a prompt and professional response
  • Under the direction of the Customer Support & Training Manager, to arrange and deliver training (onsite or remotely as required).
  • To prepare all customer correspondence accurately and professionally ensuring all required information is included and correspondence is distributed in a timely manner.
  • Proactively identify support, training, technical issues to be addressed.
  • To assist the project manager in set up and implementation of up new customer environments
  • Create user documentation as requested
  • Any other duties as required by the Customer Support & Training Manager.

You will have the opportunity to be involved our exciting project Go Lives in hospitals, support customers with their day to day system usage and interact with other teams internally to support the improvement and development of processes, services and technology.

Prior work experience isn’t essential, but you’ll need to be sharp, an excellent communicator, a problem solver and interested in the healthcare industry.

DESIRED SKILLS:

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent
  • A genuine interest in the IT and healthcare sector
  • Excellent communication skills, a proactive approach and positive attitude
  • Prior experience in a customer facing role desired but not essential
  • Full UK driving licence

BENEFITS:

At Bluespier, you can expect challenging projects, task ownership, outstanding training and professional development, and ultimately, the chance to grow a career in an experienced company directly helping to improve patient care in the NHS. As well as a competitive salary and excellent Droitwich office location, you can look forward to further benefits including: Annual Bonus, Free Parking, Company Pension Scheme, 25 days holiday and frequent company social events.

To apply, send a full CV and cover note to: customer.support@bluespier.com

For more information and a full job description, contact customer.support@bluespier.com or call 0333 014 6262.

 

Graduate Account Manager

Working within the Sales and Accounts team to maintain long term relationships with customers, ensure the renewal of current contracts and increase revenue.

KEY OBJECTIVES:

  • Process new sales leads for the sales team
  • Monitor customer accounts and build long-lasting relationships with key external stakeholders
  • Expand the use of the system by identifying potential sales opportunities
  • Support the customer in maximising the benefits from Bluespier ensuring Bluespier is indispensable
  • Liaise with the customer support team and the customer to manage high priority calls
  • Keep track of sales targets
  • Learn and maintain strong product and system knowledge
  • Demonstrate software to potential customers
  • Provide administrative support to the sales team

REQUIREMENTS:

  • BA/BS degree in Business Management, Sales or a relevant field
  • Proven ability to manage multiple tasks at a time whilst paying strict attention to detail
  • Excellent negotiation and presentation skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Tight organisational and time management skills
  • Full UK driving licence

BENEFITS:

At Bluespier, you can expect challenging projects, task ownership, outstanding training and professional development, and ultimately, the chance to grow a career in an experienced company helping to improve patient care in the NHS. As well as a competitive salary and excellent Droitwich office location, you can look forward to further benefits including: Annual Bonus, Free Parking, Company Pension Scheme, 25 days holiday and frequent company social events.

To apply, send a full CV and cover note to: rebecca.wise@bluespier.com

For more information and a full job description, contact lauren.turner@clanwilliamgroup.com or call 0333 014 6262.

Brexit Statement

Since the 2016 vote, negotiations have been ongoing between the UK and the EU over the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU in 2020.

Bluespier can confirm that Brexit will not result in any changes to the services we provide or the way in which we deliver these services to our clients. This includes our customer support and delivery:

As a provider of software and consultancy services to the NHS, both our operations and our staff are based within the United Kingdom. Our data and online resources are also hosted in the United Kingdom and abide by strict data protection standards.

For more details on how the NHS is preparing for Brexit, visit www.england.nhs.uk/eu-exit.

(Image – Getty)