Resurrection Health Care Activates Electronic Health Record (EHR)

New Technology Will Support Enhanced Patient-Centric Care, Patient Safety and Convenient Access to Health Information

CHICAGO, Aug. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Resurrection Health Care (RHC), a six-hospital not-for-profit health system in Chicago, began activation of its Systemwide electronic health record (EHR) in its ambulatory care facilities. More than 20 outpatient care sites activated Epic's software product that provides scheduling, registration, billing and medical information management. The medical record portion of this software will be activated site-by-site over the next 6-8 months.

Major benefits of the RHC EHR for patients include:

• Convenient access to personal health information
• Faster service
• Easier appointment scheduling
• Exceptional clinical quality
• Highly coordinated care using the latest in clinical protocols
• Increased accuracy and safety measures
• Less paperwork and time on registration
• Seamless integration of information between all Resurrection Health Care sites of care

The expansive initiative will begin activation in all RHC hospitals this fall, starting with Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, IL. The activations will continue over the next two years in conjunction with other key clinical and technological improvements to support the project, such as standardization of clinical documentation, bar-coded medication administration and computerized physician order management.

"The EHR project is far-reaching in its positive impact and will eventually affect over 10,000 employees and physicians.  The accompanying transformation is energizing the organization as we create patient and family-centered processes while incorporating the latest in evidence-based medicine," said Terry Williams, Executive Vice President, Organizational Transformation, and the executive sponsor for the project. "The enhancements to access, patient safety, clinical protocols and technology will further transform the way Resurrection Health Care delivers care and prepare the health System for changes related to health care reform."

The activations occurred after months of implementation work by teams involving more than 150 people.

Resurrection Health Care (RHC) is a nationally ranked leader in quality care. In 2011, RHC was recognized with the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ at two hospitals, 10 specialty excellence awards and 50 five-star ratings, placing us among the top hospital systems in the nation. Our six hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, home health services, behavioral health programs and outpatient services are conveniently located in many Chicagoland neighborhoods. Resurrection Health Care is a not-for-profit Catholic organization sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth and the Sisters of the Resurrection.

SOURCE Resurrection Health Care