Patients warned they could face appointment delays

Patients in Guernsey have been warned they could face short delays to appointments and longer wait times in the Emergency Department (ED) while a record system is "modernised".

States of Guernsey said Health and Social Care was modernising its Electronic Patient Record (EPR) systems across the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, Oberlands, Castel Hospital, the Mignot Memorial Hospital and Medical Specialist Group.

On Friday, it said the new system would replace its current platform over the next few days.

It is hoped this will give clinicians faster access to accurate information, reduce paperwork and make it easier for care plans to be updated.

States of Guernsey said it did not want to deter anyone who needed to be seen in the Emergency Department from seeking treatment.

It added patients should continue to attend appointments as normal, unless contacted directly by a service area.

The States said no cancellations were planned and patients could see staff wearing yellow T-shirts in clinics who would be supporting teams with the new system.

Deputy Dr George Oswald, president of the Committee for Health & Social Care, said: "While there will inevitably be a period of adjustment, the long-term benefits for patients and staff are clear.

"We are fully committed to making this transition a success and grateful to the community for their patience and understanding as we move into this new chapter and our staff adjust to the new system."

The States said this stage of the EPR programme completed Phase 1, which was originally planned for October 2024.

Phase 1 cost £22m, out of a revised total programme budget of £21.7m, plus a £2m contingency.

It said this phase covered the majority of the total programme and work would now take place to consider Phase 2 in terms of costs, benefits and value for money.

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