New digital healthcare system launched to improve patient care in Harrogate
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust introduces a modernised system
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) has started using a new digital healthcare system to improve patient care across the community.
The system, called Nervecentre EPR, functions as an electronic patient record, replacing paper-based processes and gathering patient information securely in one place.
The Trust went live with the first phase of the system in November. Key features included electronic observations, which allow vital signs to be recorded digitally, and clinical photography, enabling secure image storage.
Clinical staff have reported significant improvements such as faster alerts for patients needing urgent care and more accurate patient lists. A newly implemented sepsis tool has helped identify at-risk patients and ensure prompt treatment.
What’s changed for patients?
With this digital system, healthcare professionals can access information instantly, even at a patient’s bedside, enabling quicker responses to changes in conditions. Reducing paperwork also allows staff to focus more on patient care.
This month, the Trust added a new feature for viewing and filing patient investigations. This update lets test results be accessed in the same system, saving time and reducing duplication.
Dr Jacqueline Andrews, Executive Medical Director at HDFT, said:
“This new system is transforming the way we deliver care. By bringing all the important information together, our teams can make quicker decisions and spend more time with patients. It’s a big step towards safer, more efficient care for our community.”
Dermot Ryan, NHS England's Director of Digital Transformation, said:
“Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s work to deliver their Electronic Patient Record system will help transform the way care is delivered for patients – including streamlining workflows, reducing administrative tasks and improving data accessibility, as well as laying the digital foundations for innovative technologies that further support clinical practice and enhance patient care.”