In the biggest indication yet that the SDPR rollout is in serious doubt, at least one of the Tranche B LHDs has decided to ‘scale down’ its implementation activities.
Northern NSW Local Health District has suspended its implementation of the Single Digital Patient Record in a further sign that the rollout of the Epic-based system is in deep trouble across the state.
In a letter from NNSW LHD’s chief executive Tracey Maisey – seen by Health Services Daily – staff were told that, following a thorough review of the LHD’s implementation plan, “we have determined that it is no longer appropriate” for the District “to continue the local SDPR preparation activities at the current pace”.
Originally, Northern NSW LHD was part of Tranche B of the statewide SDPR rollout, due to go live in November, along with Mid North Coast, Northern Sydney, Central Coast, and the rest of the Laboratory Information Management System North network.
In August, after continuing concerns over staff wellbeing and readiness of targeted LHDs, the SDPR Implementation Authority announced the Tranche B implementation would change to a “staged rollout” beginning with just Northern Beaches Hospital – administered by Northern Sydney LHD.
Mid North Coast, NNSW, Central Coast and the rest of the NS LHD network were, at the time, postponed until March of 2027.
Now, it seems, even that is in doubt.
“Over the past two months we’ve thoroughly reviewed our implementation plan for the SDPR,” wrote Ms Maisey.
“Since August, when we pivoted away from a go-live this calendar year, our goal has been to continue the majority of SDPR work where possible.
“This included activities such as mapping current work processes against Epic workflows, determining change gaps, testing and readiness activities, and supporting Northern Beaches Hospital with credentialled trainers.
“At this stage, we do not have a revised program timeline for our LHD.”
The executives told all staff they were therefore “scaling down” local implementation activities immediately.
“Our priority must be to ensure we’re delivering the best care for our patients, while effectively managing our available resources. This includes allocating our staff where they are most needed,” they wrote.
“Workflows are being refined following the Tranche A implementation.
“We’ve received advice from the Northern Beaches Hospital team that they are largely managing their training in house.”
Related
Seconded staff would be returned to their substantive roles, local SDPR working groups would be stood down. Where devices had been purchased, infrastructure and end user device uplift would continue.
“I appreciate that this change in direction may be disappointing for staff,” wrote Ms Maisey.
“I am confident, however, that your efforts have directly assisted in helping not only NNSW LHD, but also the state, in establishing a stronger foundation on which to move forward.
“We remain committed to ensuring we deliver a successful and safe transition to SDPR for the benefit of our patients and staff.”
The Health Services Union told its members that the decision by NNSW LHD represented an “opportunity to have a say on how this affects you”.