Patients at Addenbrooke's Hospital will be going home sooner and details of their treatment will be made immediately available to their GPs.

 

Cambridge company, Beacon Computer Technology has provided the hospital with a unique web-based clinical database and patient discharge system.

 

e-Discharge has been developed for Addenbrooke's, but should also prove a winner with other hospitals.

 

The system replaces manual methods of producing discharge letters and allows data input at any stage of a patient's journey through a ward, not just on discharge.

 

It manages drug dispensing and provides GPs and other community carers with an accurate summary of patient information on the day of discharge.

Dianne Nixon, Addenbrooke's IT program manager, said: "e-Discharge has proved an invaluable addition to our internal discharge process. The system represents a huge step forward for us in a number of areas.

 

"We have been able to dispense with previous manual methods of producing discharge letters, making the process more accurate, efficient and effective.

 

"We have also been able to reduce our discharge times and improve the quality of patient information.

 

"Since all the patient information is stored electronically and presented in a succinct discharge summary, it means we can provide quality information to GPs and other carers on continuing care in the community.

 

"Currently, for every in-patient stay, an e-Discharge summary is produced - this amounts to around 800 per week."

 

Beacon, which is based in Clifton Road and was founded 20 years ago, is now offering the system to other NHS Trusts and health care providers.

 

27 June 2006