'Significant investment' in digital solutions planned for Dunedin hospital

NEWS - eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth

Southern DHB has released a ‘Request for Information’ for digital solutions for the $1.4 billion New Dunedin Hospital (NDH). 

Digital technology has been identified as a key enabler of the planned benefits resulting from the development of the new hospital and an indicative business case is awaiting approval, outlining the case for “a significant investment in a programme of digital infrastructure and solutions”. 

The RFI says that, “in preparation for, and in parallel to, commissioning of the NDH the SDHB is undertaking a digital transformation in order to increase the digital maturity of the organisation and improve the way in which patient care is provided”.

The digital solutions outlined in the DHB’s Digital Blueprint include corporate, patient support and consumer engagement solutions. 

Also, systems that store patient and clinical data to support care delivery such as electronic medical record systems and clinical sub-systems, as well as an integration platform and data analytics/ business intelligence platform.

Southern DHB ultimately aims to receive Level 6 accreditation from HIMSS for its new digital hospital and says the security of the digital systems is a top priority.

Executive director people culture & technology, Mike Collins, says the technology underpinning the new hospital will enable timely and quality patient care. 

“Patients will have greater access to information and will receive more services in the home and in the community,” he says. 

“And with staff having role-based access to medical information, the patient experience will have greater continuity and be more personalised.

“This Request for Information is the chance to hear from digital and IT companies, and learn more about the ideas and opportunities that are available for transforming our health system and improving experiences for our patients and staff.”

He says the new solutions will extend beyond the hospital walls, connecting the DHB’s rural hospitals and satellite services. 

“We are lining up our project plans with WellSouth and the other DHBs in a collaborative process that will benefit the South Island,” says Collins. 

“We’re also sharing what we’re learning nationally, so our entire healthcare system can gain from the work we’re doing.”  

The RFI closes on 29 June 2021. 

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