Hamilton Health Sciences has been an Epic hospital since June 2022. Epic is a fully digital, state-of-the-art hospital information system to store patient health records.
A new system for you.
On June 4, 2022, Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) launched Epic – a modern system that provides a single personal health record for each patient. Putting all of your health information in one easy-to-access place will improve patient safety and quality of care. It is the largest clinical transformation in the history of HHS.
Epic is used at all HHS sites. It will vastly improve how we deliver care across all our programs and services for the community of 2.3 million people we serve in South-west Ontario.
Moving to a new electronic platform to manage all of our patients’ health-care data will:
- Increase patient safety and quality of care by having everything in one place
- Make patients more active partners in their care with tools like MyChart
- Improve health across the continuum of care by allowing providers to communicate better with clinicians across our sites and beyond the hospital
- Give our staff and physicians a better way to manage patient data and make smarter decisions in real time
- Keep our organization among leading hospitals in Canada as a centre of excellence in care, research and learning
7 things you need to know about Epic
While you’re here
1. Tell your story once: When you arrive, we’ll work with you to compile a complete list of your medications, allergies, vaccinations and more. Before you leave, we’ll provide you with an updated list based on your doctor’s orders. This helps prevent medication mix-ups, and makes it easier for you to manage your prescriptions.
2. You may receive an armband that allows us to verify your identity, medications, allergies and other important information that helps us keep you safe.
3. Your healthcare provider may use mobile devices such as a smartphone or tablet to document details about your care. These devices are secure and help us capture your information accurately and quickly, directly into your medical record.
4. You will receive a summary of your visit and steps to take when you get home, including new prescriptions, dietary information and exercise instructions.
When you go home
5. You may have the option to follow up with your health-care provider from the comfort of your home, through a secure virtual platform.
6. The launch of Epic also includes a new MyChart patient portal integrated with the Epic system. This secure, online portal allows patients to access their medical records and personal health information in one secure place from your phone or computer. You can designate a loved one to have access, too. Read more about MyChart.
7. You now have educational materials at your fingertips to support your health journey beyond the hospital. Your health-care team can send articles to you by email, or you can read these materials right in your MyChart account.
As our team transitions to our new system, Epic, your visit may take a little longer. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our teams make this important change to serve you better.
If you have questions or concerns, talk to your care team or contact Patient Experience at patientexperience@hhsc.ca or call 905-521-2100 ext. 75240.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epic?
Epic is a hospital information system used to electronically and securely store and manage patients’ health records. It is used by hundreds of hospitals around the world and throughout Ontario. HHS launched Epic in June 2022 to improve the way we manage health-care data. As part of Epic, patients can use MyChart, a online tool and mobile app that patients and families can use to access their own health information at any time.
What is the impact to patients and families?
Patients can benefit from a more seamless journey across our hospital system. Their health information is available in one place, meaning that health-care providers involved in their care can access the same information, even if a patient’s care spans different programs and hospital sites. This helps reduce duplication and improves the efficiency of care.
What is MyChart?
MyChart is a digital portal that you can use to keep track of your hospital appointments, view your test results, and view summaries from your visit. It is directly linked to Epic, the system that we use to store your personal health information. MyChart will also allow you to attend virtual care appointments, if that option is available to you. You can download MyChart on your mobile device or via your computer at home. MyChart will enable you to play a more active role in your hospital journey as well as your loved ones through various levels of access.
Will there be changes to my care?
You will receive the same high-quality care from HHS. We’re working to ensure this transition is seamless for all patients.
Will my information be secure?
We take your privacy seriously. It is our job to protect your personal health information. To provide accurate, comprehensive care, your healthcare team needs to collect information about you. This information is stored securely within our system. In addition, all HHS staff and physicians receive privacy training and we routinely conduct audits to monitor privacy practices across our hospitals. Learn more about our commitment to patient privacy at hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/patients-visitors/privacy.
What other changes can I expect during my stay/visit?
Many of the changes you see are aimed at improving your experience and safety in the hospital. You may receive an armband that allows us to verify important information about you. You might notice members of your healthcare team using mobile devices to collect and communicate information. This is all part of improving the way we deliver care to you.
Is Epic available for healthcare providers in the community outside HHS?
Our long-term goal is to make Epic available to all community providers. Our main priority is making sure our staff and physicians can work well in the new system before we can expand. At this time, we do not know when Epic will roll out beyond HHS.
