Patients across north Cumbria are benefitting from a new digital system that is supporting safer, more connected care.
NCIC has successfully introduced the first phase of a new Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system, provided by Alcidion, marking a major milestone in the Trust’s journey to replace paper records with a single, secure digital system used by clinical teams.
The new system better connects services across the Trust - linking Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle, West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, and community hospitals including Penrith, Keswick and Workington - making it easier for staff to access up-to-date patient information wherever care is delivered.
The system allows staff to record and view patient information in real time, monitor changes in a patient’s condition and make referrals to specialist teams more easily, all within one system. By reducing reliance on paper records that need to be physically transported between locations, it supports a more efficient and joined-up approach to patient care across the Trust.
The rollout has been recognised nationally for its success. During a recent visit to the Trust’s Ascent Conference, Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive of NHS England, noted that many NHS Trusts experience significant disruption when introducing systems of this scale, but described North Cumbria’s launch as “incredibly smooth”. NHS England has also highlighted the programme as an “exemplar launch” that could help guide other NHS organisations introducing similar systems.
From a nursing perspective, the change is already making a positive difference on wards.
Julie McColm, Ward Manager at the Cumberland Infirmary, said:
“Having everything in one place has made a real difference to how we work. We can quickly see the information we need about our patients, which makes handovers clearer and helps us plan care more effectively. It’s helping us spend less time on paperwork and more time with our patients.”
Andy Laverick, Chief Information Officer and Director of Digital at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, added:
“The successful introduction of our Electronic Patient Record is a major milestone for North Cumbria and one of the most significant digital transformations the Trust has undertaken. What makes this achievement particularly special is the way our staff embraced the change and worked together to deliver what has been recognised nationally as an exemplar implementation.
“For patients, this means clinicians have quicker access to accurate information, enabling safer, more coordinated care wherever they are treated across our hospitals and community services. While this is an important milestone, it is only the beginning of our wider digital transformation journey, helping us build a more connected, efficient and sustainable healthcare service for the communities we serve.”
The new system is part of a wider national ambition to move the NHS from analogue to digital, helping ensure services are better connected and able to meet the needs of patients now and in the future.
Further improvements are already planned as the Trust continues its digital transformation. This includes:
- Phase 2: extending the system into Emergency Departments and paediatric services
- Phase 3: rolling out the system to outpatient services and theatres
Alongside this, further additional work is underway to digitise historic health records, making it easier for clinicians to access important information quickly and securely.
Together, these developments will continue to strengthen how care is delivered across North Cumbria - supporting more connected and efficient services for patients and staff alike.