On the 3rd October 2019, Geel Hospital signed a contract with ChipSoft for the implementation of HiX, an innovative software package customised to the modern-day needs of patients and healthcare providers. The electronic health record stores all patient information in a central location and gives healthcare providers real-time access to relevant data. The result is a more efficient flow of information between healthcare professionals and a fully integrated and secure treatment process for the patient.
Real-time information exchange
Different healthcare professionals can connect to the patient’s electronic health record and exchange information. This ensures that patients no longer have to repeat the same story to different healthcare providers. “Physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals in the hospital - such as psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and social workers - all have access to complete and up-to-date information on the patient. As a result, all our healthcare providers are fully informed in real-time of the conditions, treatments and medical history of the patient,” chief physician Katelijne Valgaeren explains. “With this, our hospital is taking an important step towards achieving greater patient safety and a significant simplification of administrative tasks.”
“The software is not only invaluable to the healthcare provider and patient in the hospital but also for other healthcare providers such as general practitioners and home care nurses. With HiX, we can exchange information with primary care providers in a structured and secure manner. The entire care process of the patient takes centre stage here,” says Jan Flament, CEO of Geel Hospital.
The hospital will spend the next few months preparing to go live with the entire platform in 2020.
“Ready for the future”
“With HiX, we have chosen for a software platform that narrowly follows current and future trends in the healthcare sector and provides fitting solutions for these developments. The software will constantly be updated with new technologies and functional innovations,” according to Walter Claessens, director of nursing. “Via a mobile app, specialists will have constant access to their records, even when they’re at work outside the hospital. They will have direct access to information and be able to register new information instantly.”
“There will also be an online patient portal where a patient can view and enter medical details via a secure login procedure. These details are added to the electronic health record to which the healthcare provider has access. The patient will be able to schedule online appointments and enter information through online questionnaires and medical apps.”
“Since 1994, Geel Hospital has been a pioneer in IT. We were one of the first hospitals to introduce a hospital-wide electronic health record for all medical specialities, nursing services and pharmacies. With HiX, we continue to set an example and bring the latest functionalities in-house,” adds doctor Jo Leenders, the chairman of the medical board.
“In line with our mission to provide top-level healthcare service”
“The choice to work with ChipSoft’s electronic health record is in line with our mission to provide top-level healthcare service in the Kempen region,” says Jan Flament, CEO of Geel Hospital.
Geel Hospital has more than 300 beds, 900 personnel and 110 physicians. It offers a wide range of medical-technical and paramedical services, including one of the largest rehabilitation centres in Flanders, various high-tech operating theatres and extensive consultancy services. The qualitative care provided by the hospital is accredited by the Netherlands Institute for Healthcare Accreditation (NIAZ). Geel Hospital aims to become a referral hospital in the region.
With the implementation of HiX, Geel Hospital follows in the footsteps of Oost-Limburg Hospital and Delta General Hospital.