South Island fully connected: SIPICS go-live delivers unified patient information system

SECTOR UPDATE - Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Health New Zealand has reached a major digital health milestone with the successful go-live of the South Island Patient Information Care System (SIPICS) on the West Coast. This final implementation completes the rollout of a single, integrated patient administration system across all of Te Waipounamu. 

SIPICS now connects every South Island district to a unified digital platform, enabling consistent, region-wide management of patient information across our hospitals and community services. The system supports standardised workflows, improved service coordination, and richer data insights that enhance patient care and outcomes. 

“This is a landmark moment for digital health in Aotearoa,” said Kirsty Martin, Health New Zealand Regional Group Manager Te Waipounamu, Integration and Delivery, Digital Services. “SIPICS is more than a system upgrade, it’s a foundation for smarter, more connected care. I want to thank every member of our digital, clinical, and operational teams who contributed to this achievement. Their dedication ensures that people across the South Island benefit from a more seamless and equitable health experience.” 

The West Coast go-live on 31 May 2025 was delivered on time and on budget, with no major issues. Over 300 staff were trained through a combination of face-to-face sessions and online learning across Greymouth, Westport, Reefton, and Hokitika. Staff described the transition as “smooth and well supported,” with many acknowledging the value of the preparation and on-site guidance during the early days of using the system. 

SIPICS works in tandem with Health Connect South, the regional clinical portal, to provide a comprehensive view of the patient journey. The system has already enabled innovations such as regional neurosurgery services with single waitlists and shared administrative resources, improving both efficiency and resilience. 

Looking ahead, Health New Zealand plans to build on this foundation with further digital enhancements. These include integration with electronic referrals, eTriage, and new functionality being introduced through the New Dunedin Hospital digital programme such as online booking and patient queue management that will be made available across the region. 

This milestone reflects Health New Zealand’s commitment to delivering connected, patient-centred care through supported by digital technology. 

Source: Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora media release

Sector updates are provided by organisations to eHealthNews.nz and have not necessarily been edited or checked for accuracy. Any queries should be directed to the organisation issuing the release.

Do you have an item to add to sector updates?

Email your information to us at updates@hinz.org.nz

Return to eHealthNews.nz home page