Electronic Patient Record

The Trust has implemented one of the biggest programmes possible: an electronic patient record (EPR).

This may sound simple but it has the potential to completely transform the way we work. We have decided to do this because we believe it will bring huge benefits for our patients and local communities as well as our workforce.

We have called the programme: EPR - Delivering excellence in patient care

The EPR is designed to improve patient care across the County Durham and Darlington by replacing paper-based notes and records and a number of different, older systems with a new suite of digital tools and technologies. The programme is patient focussed, clinically led and digitally enabled.

A message from our Chief Executive, Sue Jacques:

"We are committed to delivering our mission of safe, compassionate and joined-up care to all our patients and across our local communities. We also want to create the best working environment and experience for 'our people'.

This year, we have launched a huge digital programme which has the potential to transform how we deliver care as well patient and staff experience.

Our electronic patient record went live in October and what that means is that our patient records and many of the different systems we previously used have come together into one integrated system.

It means that our clinicians and nurses have more time to spend with patients and at the bedside. Patient information is more accessible and in one place for healthcare professionals to access. It also means that our patients don't have to keep sharing the same information many times with different healthcare professionals but are able to only 'have to tell their story once'."

Fundamentally, EPR enables us to offer our patients even safer care and a much smoother experience.