BEECHWORTH Health Service and Hume Rural Health Alliance (HRHA) have announced the introduction of a fully consolidated Patient Administration System (PAS) across the 14-member health services in the Hume region.

The new system introduces a region-wide patient identifier to improve the continuity and connection of patient care.

Hume Rural Health Alliance chief information officer, Neelu Kaur, said this has been one of the most complex implementations of the Patient Administration System ever undertaken.

“HRHA is pleased that we could deliver a connected Patient Administration System for the first time in the region’s history,” she said

“This is a great achievement which has been earned through collaboration.

“We thank all the health services’ teams for their support for this major transition, and the activity in the years leading up to this.

“As always, we are looking towards the future investments in digital health to bridge the healthcare gaps in our regional communities.”

Beechworth Health Service interim chief executive officer Susan Plath said Hume PAS Connect serves as an essential tool for improving patient care by providing a unified, region-wide patient identifier.

“This system enhances our ability to accurately track patient care across various services, leading to better coordination and continuity of care,” she said.

“Additionally, the improved data quality facilitates more accurate reporting to the Victorian Government, which is crucial for securing the necessary funding to support our community's health services.

“By streamlining patient information and enhancing reporting capabilities, Hume PAS Connect ultimately contributes to a more effective and responsive healthcare environment for all.”

HRHA has trained around 2500 staff across a 40,000 square kilometre region to prepare for the introduction of the new Patient Administration System.

The following health services have been involved: Albury Wodonga Health, Alexandra District Health, Alpine Health, Beechworth Health Service, Benalla Health, Corryong Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Mansfield District Hospital, NCN Health, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Seymour Health, Tallangatta Health Service, Yarrawonga Health and Yea and District Memorial Hospital.