NHS bosses say digital overhaul's ‘revolutionising care’ at North Essex hospitals
Hospitals across North Essex and Suffolk have replaced 52 different IT systems with a single platform.
Hospitals across North Essex and Suffolk have undergone their biggest ever digital transformation, replacing 52 different IT systems with a single platform in what health leaders describe as a “revolution” for patient care.
The new electronic patient record, known as Epic, went live at 5.30 am last Thursday, connecting every department at Ipswich and Colchester hospital, from A&E and theatres to maternity and outpatient services.
Nick Hulme, Chief Executive of the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), said the change marked a “monumental shift” in how hospitals operate.
“We went from 52 IT systems to one, literally at the push of a button,” he said. “It’s been a long week, staff are tired but optimistic.”
One system for safer, faster care
The new system replaces the patchwork of platforms previously used across the trust, bringing together patient records, prescriptions, test results, and care plans into one central system.
It means that every clinician, from consultants to physiotherapists, can now access up-to-date information instantly, wherever a patient is being treated.
Mr Hulme said the goal was “as much about safety as it is efficiency.”
“Internationally, this system has saved thousands of lives through earlier detection of sepsis,” he said. “We’ve halved the response time for porters. Across two big hospitals, that time adds up.”
“It’s the most secure electronic patient record in the world.”
Benefits already being felt
Early signs suggest Epic is already delivering benefits for both staff and patients.
Letters to GPs and test results are now being shared within hours rather than days, while patients can access their records and hospital correspondence through the MyChart app, which connects directly to their care team.
“Three hours after my appointment, the letter to my GP was on my app,” Mr Hulme said. “That’s transformative for patients.”
He added that the new system should also improve learning and coordination across departments:
“If you need a scan, a blood test, or an operation, the information flows instantly. We can see where delays are happening and fix them in real time.”
Challenges and disruption
However, the rollout has not been without challenges. Some patients have experienced longer waits in A&E and delays in discharge as staff adjust to the new software.
Mr Hulme acknowledged the pressures, praising staff for their commitment under intense conditions.
“The hospital has been incredibly slow in some aspects, leading to some really unfortunate long waits in A&E, which I apologise for. He explained it's taking time for everyone to adjust but they are working unbelievably hard to provide "the best care for patients.”
He said hospitals had planned for disruption and were prioritising safety above speed:
Keeping access open
While much of Epic is digital-first, the trust has made efforts to ensure no one is left behind.
“We’re very aware that not everyone is digitally confident,” Mr Hulme said. “There’s always the traditional way, phone calls, letters, and face-to-face appointments.”
Each hospital also has contingency plans in place should the IT system fail, which they are double checking this week.
“If the IT system goes down, we have plans in place, and if need be we can switch to paper instantly. Every ward has a business continuity plan in place.”
Looking ahead
The trust is one of the largest in the country, serving more than a million people across Suffolk and north Essex. The Epic rollout is part of a national drive to modernise NHS systems and create more consistent, data-driven care.
Reflecting on the first week, Mr Hulme said the change was just the start.
“Healthcare in 15 years’ time will be unrecognisable,” he said. “with the advancement of artificial intelligence, with the advancement of new technologies, with the advancement of robotic surgery, a whole range of different things that are happening, probably healthcare in terms of technology is the fastest growing part of technology.
"We need to be careful. We need to make sure that we don't lose the basic compassion and kindness and care delivered through human contact and human beings, but we also need to embrace technology where we know it's better clinically."