Digital transformation delivers new RNSH referral system A new eReferral system has been launched by Northern Sydney Local Health District
Work is continuing to rollout HealthLink to all outpatient services across RNSH and other hospitals in the district over the coming years, with the next release scheduled to include Women’s Health Services including Maternity and Gynaecology. “It makes the administrative side of things so much easier from both GP and patient perspective and reduces the risk of errors,” Dr Luke Morphett, GP Liaison Officer with the RNSH ACC and a GP in the district, said. “We need to use technology where and how we can if it has real benefits for patients and this is another step in the right direction.” The system, which is free for GPs to access and send referrals, is a precursor to a statewide e-referral management system that is planned for launch next year. GPs not yet signed up should check that their practice is HealthLink enabled and SmartForms activated. They should contact HealthLink on 1300 145 456 (option 4) or email register@healthlink.net to register.
aiming to simplify patient referrals to key services to enhance the triage and management of patients to ensure they receive the most appropriate care. NSLHD has united with secure messaging provider HealthLink to establish an eReferral system allowing district GPs to submit electronic referrals for patients to access medical and surgical outpatient clinics at Royal North Shore Hospital, as well as the Emergency Department and Hospital in the Home services. About 97% of district GPs have compatible software to integrate HealthLink referrals. The Healthlink system saves time for GPs as its referrals are auto-populated with patient information and allows GPs to easily attach important pathology and imaging reports, if needed. It will also allow them to receive communications back from the service on the progress of the referral through the triage process. “Paper and manual documentation of records pose several clinical and privacy risks for patients, not to mention adding to the administrative burden,” Project Lead Anna Giuffrida said. “Faxed referrals can also sometimes be misplaced, sent to the wrong service or omit key clinical information. “This program will help GPs more easily provide clinically relevant information and is part of the digital transformation taking place more generally here at NSLHD, while ensuring patients receive the support they need.” “This system will streamline how we share responsibilities for the care of patients with GPs,” Claire Bridgman, Operations Manager with the RNSH Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC), said. “We can receive about 100 referrals a day and with our growing population, there is a need to do things faster and more efficiently.”
Dr Luke Morphett
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NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 17 | 9 SEPTEMBER 2022
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