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Heartbeat: Putting the patient in control – Unity celebrates its first birthday this week

September 22, 2020

With Unity celebrating its first birthday this week we will be sharing content all around our electronic patient record.

Watch the video below to find out more about how colleagues have transitioned to the new system over the last 12 months.

Heartbeat: Putting the patient in control

Patients that understand their conditions, have the tools and knowhow to manage their care and the support of a caring clinician a click away is one of the ultimate dreams of 21st Century healthcare. It’s an area that has been long-awaited and will soon be fulfilled with the launch of the Unity Patient Portal in early October.

Knowledge is power, and currently, all of our information about our patients, from their notes to their test results are stored in our recently updated and refreshed Unity EPR. However, we still rely on patients to be able to interpret, appreciate and understand the vast amount of information that is shared with them when they have a consultation. Amongst letters reminding patients of appointments, test results and referrals landing at their doorstep, it’s easy to see why sometimes patients can feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to their healthcare.

The Unity Patient Portal is an extension of the Unity EPR system used within the Trust, and is the final bridge between clinical colleagues and patients being able to communicate and collaborate in the management of care, with patients having access to the following information on the portal:

  • Upcoming appointments
  • Parts of your medical records
  • Documents such as discharge summaries and consultation letters
  • Selected laboratory results from blood tests

One of the most innovative elements of the new portal will be the ability for patients to easily communicate with their clinicians from the comfort of the portal. This is something that is often taken for granted in professional circles but is overwhelmingly welcomed by patients.

Patients will also be able to complete pre assessments questionnaires and other documentation before they arrive for appointments, ensuring patients can be seen promptly and progress their care quickly.

From September, colleagues in primary care, community and therapies alongside surgery will began to take advantage of the system and subsequently, the system will be rolled out across the Trust.

To sign up and be enrolled on to the system, patients will simply need to provide photographic ID, a private email address and a security question at their next consultation and within a few minutes, they will be able to have access to their records on the portal.

If you would like to find out more about the new system please contact joseph.cridge@nhs.net.