Osler launches Epic to support more connected patient care

New hospital information system brings Osler health information together in one secure digital record

William Osler Health System (Osler) launched Epic, a new hospital information system that brings patient health information together in one secure digital record. Helping care teams deliver more connected and coordinated care, the launch marks one of the largest clinical and digital transformations in Osler’s history.

The new system builds on the technology and expertise already supporting care across the organization and provides one secure digital health record for each patient throughout their care journey at Osler. With important health information available in one system, care teams can more easily access the information they need, support patients as they move between departments and services, and reduce the need for patients and families to repeat their health history.

“Today is a momentous day for Osler and for the patients, families and communities we serve, ” said Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO, William Osler Health System. “The new Epic hospital information system is much more than a technology upgrade – it’s an investment in our people and the patients who count on them. It gives us stronger tools to keep improving the patient experience and greater capacity to respond as our communities’ needs evolve. I’m proud of the staff, physicians and partners whose dedication has brought us to this milestone.”

Following extensive training, testing and preparation, Epic is now live across Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital, Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness and Osler’s related sites and services. The milestone follows months of training, testing and preparation, with teams across Osler working together to prepare for the transition and integrate the new system into patient care.

New Epic MyChart gives patients easier access to their health information

As part of this transition, Osler patients can now sign up for Epic MyChart, a secure online patient portal giving patients and their designated proxies access to their health information at Osler. This includes access to test results, appointments, visit summaries, and other care details. Epic MyChart helps patients stay informed and participate more actively in their care.

Patients need to sign up for the new Epic MyChart to access their health information. Previous MyChart accounts will not move over to Epic MyChart automatically. Signing up is simple and free.

AI-enabled hospital system

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more embedded into health care, Osler is helping lead the transformation as one of the first hospital systems in Ontario designed to help clinicians find and organize important patient information and support more efficient documentation. These tools support, rather than replace, clinical judgement and decision-making.

“Epic gives Osler a modern, integrated platform that connects information, people and workflows in new ways,” said David Stankiewicz, Vice President, Digital Health and Chief Information and Privacy Officer, William Osler Health System. “With Epic’s AI tools, clinicians can spend more time focused on patients and their care. This technology helps bring important information together quickly, while clinical decisions remain in the hands of our care teams."

“Epic gives Osler a stronger digital foundation to support high-quality care today and as our communities continue to grow," said Dr. Martino. "It will help our teams work more effectively together, strengthen connections across care, and support continued innovation to meet the changing needs of the patients and families we serve. This transformation is future thinking at its best."

Supporting patients through the transition

Patient care remains Osler’s top priority. As teams become more familiar with Epic, some steps during a hospital visit may take longer than usual. Osler thanks patients, families and the community for their patience and understanding as teams adapt to the new system while continuing to provide high-quality, people-centred care.