From left, Kylie Conway, CNL, Alison Simard, Manager and Leah Eamer, CNE from S4AB look cool and prepared in their Hawaiian shirts on the morning of Go-Live at VGH September 14.
Just before 6 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, with Gorge Road Health Centre on her mobile phone in one hand, VGH Executive Director Gillian Kozinka called the central switchboard using her other hand and asked them to play the overhead message.
“Attention please, we are now live with Computerized Provider Order Entry, we are live," was broadcast throughout both sites. “I had a bit of a lump in my throat," Kozinka said. “I was quite emotional when I was talking to switchboard."
That wave of emotion was the culmination of months of work and anticipation leading up to Go-Live day. And for Kozinka, it was also because she felt so well supported. “It's because my team are all here…the managers, the directors, the CNEs, the CNLs…the Monday-to-Friday folks are all here helping their people and making sure their staff feel supported."
Go-Live happened on schedule at 6 a.m. after a smooth cutover process, where patient information was transferred from paper into the electronic health record.
“Congratulations to everyone at VGH and Gorge Road on today's Go-Live. It's been an amazing day," said Kozinka. “With something this big, we always expect to encounter a few lumps and bumps along the way, but everyone is showing up with kindness and professionalism, and you can feel the support all around…I am so impressed and proud of the whole team."
Dr. Chloe Lemire-Elmore, VGH Chief of Staff and Medical Director, says her patients have already benefitted, and she has saved time as a doctor.
“Patients received the needed tests and medications earlier than when we had paper charts," said Lemire-Elmore. “Previously I would have to go up to the ward, find the chart, write the order, and it would then be processed by the unit clerk, who would fax it to the lab or pharmacy. Each step took time. Now in the morning when I see bloodwork or vital signs of concern, I can act on them immediately and get a workup or treatment underway. No time is lost."
“I'm pleasantly surprised, though I know we are not through it, yet," Lemire-Elmore added. “Let's say it has been a good start."
VP Clinical Services Marko Peljhan said you could feel the positive vibe across the VGH site, which he described as cool, calm, and prepared. “I've gone to several units today…issues are coming up and we are addressing them, because we have the right team in place. There is a sense of camaraderie, and having the extra staff and shoulder-to-shoulder support is really good."
South Island Surgical Centre went live with CPOE on Monday, September 16.
Read VGH Go-Live News for more photos and stories.