I’m thrilled to sit down with Faisal Zain, a renowned healthcare expert with deep expertise in medical technology. With years of experience in the manufacturing of medical devices for diagnostics and treatment, Faisal has been at the forefront of driving innovation in the field. Today, we’re diving into the recent introduction of a new Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, exploring its impact on patient care, the challenges faced during the transition, and the potential it holds for transforming healthcare delivery. Our conversation touches on the system’s rollout, patient feedback, technical hiccups, and the broader vision for regional healthcare coordination.
Can you walk us through the key features of the new EPR system introduced at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, and what drove the decision to invest in this technology?
Certainly. The new EPR system, which cost £85 million and is powered by Oracle Cerner, aims to modernize how patient data is managed at the trust. The primary goal is to create a unified platform where patient information is accessible across departments, replacing outdated systems that often kept data siloed. This switch was delayed by eight months to ensure both the technology and the organization were ready for such a massive change. The delay was crucial to iron out potential issues before going live in July 2025, ensuring a smoother transition for staff and patients alike.
What has been the general reaction from patients since the system went live, and how are you addressing their concerns?
Since the rollout, we’ve heard a mix of feedback from patients. Many appreciate the intent behind the system, but there’s been notable frustration around disruptions in outpatient bookings and waiting lists. Some patients have expressed anxiety over whether their appointments are still on track, and we’ve taken this feedback seriously. We’re actively communicating with them, ensuring they’re updated on their status, and working tirelessly to resolve these initial hiccups as quickly as possible to rebuild trust.
Can you dive into some of the specific issues patients and local representatives have raised about the system’s performance post-launch?
Absolutely. Patients have reported problems like missing waiting list data or records that seem inaccessible, which has caused significant worry. For instance, in the cardiology department, some patients were told that staff couldn’t confirm who was on the waiting list due to these glitches. Local representatives have echoed these concerns, highlighting the anxiety this creates for people awaiting treatment. It’s been a challenging start in certain areas, and we’re focusing on those departments most affected to ensure no one slips through the cracks.
How has the trust responded to these disruptions, particularly in booking and communication processes?
From the moment we identified these issues, we’ve been on top of them. Our staff has done an incredible job correcting many of the affected outpatient clinics already. We’ve also launched a comprehensive program to tackle the remaining problems, aiming to minimize any impact on waiting times. Our response has been swift, with constant monitoring and adjustments to ensure patients aren’t left waiting longer than necessary. We’re committed to full transparency and fixing these issues as fast as we can.
There’s been a lot of concern about patients potentially falling off waiting lists. What steps are you taking to prevent this from happening?
That’s a top priority for us. Our clinical teams are triaging and prioritizing urgent appointments just as they always have, ensuring those with the most pressing needs are seen first. We’re also proactively reaching out to patients to confirm their status and keep them informed about their upcoming appointments. By maintaining clear communication, we’re working to ensure no one is overlooked during this transition period.
Can you shed some light on the technical status of the EPR system during these reported disruptions?
I’m glad to clarify that the system itself has not gone down completely at any point. The issues we’ve encountered are specific to certain functionalities, like booking processes, rather than a full system failure. Additionally, we took the precaution of saving all data from the old system before the switch, and we still have access to paper records as a backup. This allows us to cross-check information and ensure no data is lost, giving us a safety net as we navigate these early challenges.
What advantages does this new EPR system offer over the previous one, especially for staff working in high-pressure environments?
The new system is a game-changer in many ways. It’s far more clinically advanced, pulling together patient information into a single, accessible platform instead of scattering it across multiple systems. This means staff in inpatient and emergency care can make decisions based on the most up-to-date data, which is already showing benefits. It reduces the risk of oversight and speeds up coordination across departments, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Looking to the future, how do you envision this system enhancing healthcare coordination on a regional level?
The potential here is enormous. One of the most exciting aspects is the possibility of other trusts in South Yorkshire adopting the same system. This could create a truly integrated network where patient records are shared seamlessly across facilities, enabling joined-up care. Imagine a patient moving between hospitals or clinics without their care team losing access to critical information—that’s the kind of transformation we’re aiming for. It’s about building a regional healthcare ecosystem that prioritizes continuity and efficiency.
What’s your forecast for the future of EPR systems in healthcare, and how do you see them evolving over the next decade?
I believe EPR systems will become the backbone of healthcare delivery in the coming years. Over the next decade, I expect them to evolve with greater integration of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, helping clinicians anticipate patient needs before issues arise. We’ll also see more patient-facing features, like secure portals for direct access to records and appointment management. The focus will be on interoperability—ensuring systems talk to each other not just regionally, but nationally and even globally. It’s an exciting time, and I think we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.
