Media Release

Advancing Diagnostic Imaging in South Eastman

RHA Implements Provincial RIS and PACS Project

South Eastman Health/ Santé Sud-Est (SEH/SSE) is taking a step forward in how it manages patient electronic health care records. The RHA is implementing new computer systems in diagnostic imaging (DI), as part of the Provincial RIS and PACS Project.

“There has been a lot of talk over the last few years regarding how technology can increase health system efficiencies for both care providers and patients and the RIS and PACS Project is a great example of this,” says John Stinson, SEH/SSE’s VP of Acute Care & Planning.

He further explains, “Coordinated data means less duplication and the elimination of unnecessary retests. We are certainly excited as a Regional Health Authority to be a part of this project.”

Nicole Lafrenière, Regional Diagnostics Manager also adds, “The system will allow clinicians to view electronic patient images or reports at computer workstations located in specified patient care areas. This will result in better coordinated care for the patient and improved communications between health care providers.”

The Provincial Radiology Information System (RIS) includes electronic scheduling, storage and organization of DI patient information and will impact DI areas only. The PACS system (Picture Archiving and Communications System) is a computerized system that stores diagnostic images and reports, reducing the need for film and facilitating timely province-wide access to patient images and reports. PACS will impact all hospital clinical areas and clinicians who need to view diagnostic images or reports.

Lafrenière notes that the RIS and PACS project will begin implementation at South Eastman’s four hospitals (Steinbach, Vita, Ste Anne and St. Pierre) the week of March 22, 2010

For more information on the Provincial RIS and PACS Project, please visit their website at http://www.manitoba-ehealth.ca/ehr_RISPACS.html or call Nicole Lafrenière at (204) 346-5153

Contact: Tara Mangano

Communications Department

Senior Communications Advisor

(204) 424-2327

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