January 2020
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National view of pathology and radiology test results live in Wales

World-leading digital services are transforming the way radiology results are used in NHS Wales.

Last month, Cardiff and Vale became the final health board to adopt the new digital radiology results reporting service, available through the Welsh Clinical Portal.  This milestone achievement means clinicians in all Welsh hospitals can now view both radiology and pathology test results from across Wales all in one place.

Having access to results produced in neighbouring health boards saves time, informs clinical decisions, improves patient safety and means fewer duplicate tests and scans for patients.

In November, clinicians in Welsh hospitals accessed existing online radiology and pathology test results nearly 900,000 times. Of these around five percent were viewed across organisational boundaries, meaning less time phoning around chasing copies of results taken in neighbour organisations.

"This is a long awaited achievement built on the national digital platform, delivering common services across Wales. It means radiology reports from all health boards are available to all health care professionals across Wales via Welsh Clinical Portal, allowing clinicians to use their time more effectively to help patients. No longer will staff have to fax or email radiology reports around Wales."

Rhidian Hurle, Chief Clinical Information Officer for Wales and Consultant Urological Surgeon

The Welsh Clinical Portal shares, delivers and displays patient information from a number of sources with a single log-on, even if that information is spread across health boards. With information in one place, clinicians always have access to up-to-date and accurate patient records.

In primary care, the GP Test Results application is available providing a national view of radiology and pathology test results.
e-Library needs your feedback
 
The NHS Wales e-Library for Health are in need of feedback to discover if some of their information tools are meeting client needs. 

Specifically, they are conducting a review of their Point of Care Tools, BMJ Best Practice and DynaMed resources. 
 
The e-library is holding live, online discussions available to NHS Wales staff on:
You can also provide feedback by:   
If you have any questions regarding the review, please contact [email protected] or your local NHS Wales or Welsh Government Library.

Andrew Griffiths named new  Chief Executive of FedIP
 
Andrew Griffiths, the former Director of the NHS Wales Informatics Service, has been appointed as the new chief executive of FedIP (Federation of Informatics Professionals) - the body leading professionalism for the healthcare IT community.

"FedIP has a pivotal role in strengthening our profession and our impact and influence over healthcare delivery, so we are delighted Andrew is joining as chief executive," FedIP board member, Wendy Dearing said. "He has long been a champion of skills and professionalism within the IT sector, and his knowledge and expertise will be invaluable."

"I am very pleased to be given this opportunity," Griffiths said. "I feel strongly healthcare should be an attractive work place for informatics professionals, with a clear career path and professional development opportunities. I would like everyone working in healthcare IT to have professional registration."

Andrew stepped down from his role as Director of the NHS Wales Informatics Service and Chief Information Officer in December 2019. FedIP is a collaboration between leading professional bodies in health and care informatics including:
  More information about FedIP is available from fedip.org
A Patient's Perspective: How digital makes a difference  

Recently, a man named Gareth (not his real name - but we want to keep him anonymous)  contacted us through social media to tell us how digital services are making a difference to his wife's care.

Gareth's been a full-time carer for the past twelve years for his wife. He's accompanied herwhen she attends her annual consultations with an oncologist at Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales and Velindre Hospital. 

Over the last couple of years, he's noticed the doctor accessing much more information through the Welsh Clinical Portal.

"As well as looking at my wife's records concerning his specialism, the doctor was able to look at her GP results and records from other specialisms, and other clinics she had attended in the past, and get a picture of her whole state of health,"  Gareth, a former IT professional, said.

Gareth has found he hasn't had to repeat as much information about his wife's details and health as he did in the past, saving time and making the process less repetitive.

"So much of the information is available in one place for them now," he said. "It's been so much better and removes barriers."

Gareth's wife has several conditions to manage, including diabetes. As a result they have experienced the health service in many different settings.  He says he has been impressed by the improvements - like the  reduction in paperwork-related mistakes being made.

"I think this is so important," he added, "as many people seem to acquire a portfolio of conditions as they get older. Bravo NWIS!"

We're very grateful to Gareth for contacting us to tell us his wife's story. If you, or anyone you know has had similar positive experiences with any of our digital services or products, please contact us at [email protected].