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The IWK Health Centre is asking people who need blood work to make their appointments elsewhere if possible because of problems caused by the implementation of a new electronic medical record system.
One Person One Record, or OPOR, was launched at the Halifax women and children’s hospital in December. It’s set to replace more than 80 programs, including paper records, and will affect nearly every layer of Nova Scotia’s health-care system.
That includes the IWK’s online booking system for blood collection. Since the launch, the website has repeatedly shown there are no appointments available.
The IWK offers blood collection specifically for children and women. Parents have the option of asking for extra help if their kids are nervous about needles.
In an emailed statement to CBC News, the hospital acknowledged OPOR is causing the issue, and it’s asking people to book appointments at other sites if possible.
“We understand that some blood collection is urgent and/or must be performed at the IWK,” the statement said. “In these situations, where no appointments are available online, please call the IWK urgent booking line at 902-497-1764.”
The IWK acknowledged the new One Patient One Record system is causing the issue. (Craig Paisley/CBC)
This week, both Doctors Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union spoke out about frustrations from staff since OPOR’s implementation.
Janet Hazelton, president of the nurses’ union, applauded the IWK for listening to its staff, but explained that problems persist.
She said nurses didn’t have enough training before the system was launched.
“They find it cumbersome,” Hazelton said. “Tasks that used to take them five minutes [are] now taking them 30 minutes. Admitting a patient is taking hours.”
The IWK said it’s regularly assessing how many blood collection appointments are available, and it expects the issues with the online booking system to be fixed in the coming weeks.
“We recognize this may be inconvenient for some patients and families, and ask for patience during this time,” it said.
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