Orangeville, ON, December 11, 2009 – The most important tool hospitals have to care for patients is information - information about a patient's background, medical history, previous treatments and test results. The more information that is available, the better doctors and hospital staff can diagnose and treat that patient.

Until now, Headwaters' physicians could only view computerized records on a patient's diagnosis, tests and treatment received at Headwaters Health Care Centre. Today, Headwaters is taking a leap forward and providing this information to its doctors and staff through an online network that allows instant access to a patient's medical record from five area hospitals.

"The ability to view a more complete patient record online will allow doctors to collaborate on patient assessments," says Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Headwaters Health Care Centre.

Knowing that patients often move between facilities, Headwaters Health Care Centre worked closely with MEDSEEK and William Osler Health System (WOHS), The Credit Valley Hospital (CVH), Trillium Health Centre (THC), and Halton Healthcare Services (HHS) in Halton, Mississauga and Peel to launch MEDSEEK's web portal (REACH), giving Headwaters' clinicians online access to patient health information stored electronically at any of the hospitals in the network. Through REACH - Rapid Electronic Access to Clinical Health information, physicians at Headwaters Health Care Centre can review and update their patients' records online resulting in fewer delays in providing care and eliminating unnecessary repetition of tests and procedures. Clinicians can access their patient's medical records including lab and diagnostic test results, transcriptions and progress reports.

The electronic health record also shows the medications the patient is taking and any allergies they have, which could be critical in an emergency situation for a doctor seeing that person for the first time.

Through REACH, physicians treating cancer patients for chemotherapy at Headwaters Health Care Centre can seamlessly view progress notes from the patients' oncologist at The Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga; it will allow a stroke patient's tests to be viewed online by Headwaters' physicians; and orthopaedic surgeons at William Osler Health System can view a Headwaters' hip fracture patient's health history online.

"As health system leaders, the Central West LHIN is pleased to celebrate Headwaters joining the REACH network because it is an example of how electronic medical records can enhance access to services, provide better and more efficient care and drive a more responsive health system that focuses on patient's needs," said Mimi Low-Young, CEO of the Central West LHIN.

Patient treatment won't be delayed waiting for test results to be received. Doctors will have current medication history and allergies, and can avoid the risk of potentially dangerous drug interactions or side effects from procedures.

The public is invited to provide comments and suggestions about hospital services. Please contact Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Headwaters Health Care Centre at 519-941-2702 ext. 2200.

About Headwaters Health Care Centre
Headwaters Health Care Centre serves more than 110,000 residents in Caledon, Orangeville, Shelburne and Dufferin County. The hospital operates two sites – Headwaters Orangeville, a 108 bed acute care hospital and Headwaters Shelburne, a 33 bed chronic care hospital. Visit www.headwatershealth.ca.

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