From Saturday 28 June 2025, Northampton General Hospital will use a new digital system to provide better care for our patients.
What is Electronic Patient Record (EPR)?
EPR is a digital tool that keeps all your medical information, like your medical history, test results, and medications, in one place. The system we are deploying at NGH is called Nervecentre. This system will be used by our staff to access and update your medical information in real time.
Right now, your records are in different formats, like paper and various digital systems.
With EPR, all your medical data will be in one electronic record. This means the team looking after you can see all your details in real time, no matter where they are in our Trust. You will only need to give your information once.
What this means for you
Is my information safe?
Yes. Your personal health information is stored securely and is only accessed by staff involved in your care. We take data protection seriously and follow all UK GDPR rules to make sure your information is safe and used appropriately.
How will this new system improve my experience?
An EPR system helps our clinicians monitor your treatment everywhere in the Trust. It ensures you get the right care at the right time and reduces errors. It also highlights important safety info, like allergies.
We know some patients worry about the security of their records. The EPR system keeps a clear record of your treatment and who is responsible for your care. This ensures accountability and transparency.
Will anything change for me?
You will notice staff using mobile devices like iPhones or tablets at your bedside. This helps them access your records instantly and safely. Your care team might also be able to answer your questions faster, as they’ll have the latest information at their fingertips.
Why are we doing this?
When we talk to patients, we record all conversations, treatments, advice, and procedures. This record is important for your safe and effective care. Right now, these records are stored in digital formats, some on paper. This can take time and may cause delays or make you repeat your medical history.
A single EPR system will improve this problem. It will remove the need for some of our multiple systems with the same information, making our Trust more efficient. Your clinician will have real-time access to your records, ensuring your care is coordinated and smooth.
Moving to a single, secure digital record helps us:
Northampton General Hospital staff have already begun training for the EPR rollout and will be working hard to make sure the transition from paper records to the new system is as smooth as possible for patients.
If you have questions about your care or how your information is used, please talk to a member of staff.