News

Southlake Launches PACS “Access to Images 24/7 in multiple locations simultaneously”

Newmarket, Ontario - January 22, 2007 - Southlake Regional Health Centre’s incoming Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) and voice recognition system will reduce wait times and length of stay for patients as well as allow physicians to access patient images from anywhere at any time.

“The difference in pre and post PACS radiological practice is like night and day.  As Radiologists our practice has become incredibly more efficient and our reports more timely and relevant.”

 Dr. Fred Lan, Radiologist
 Southlake Regional Health Centre

PACS is a technology which applies the applications of computers to electronically store, distribute and display diagnostic images. For authorized users, images are available anytime, anywhere there is a workstation connected to the hospital network.

PACS will eliminate the paper and x-ray film generated in the Diagnostic Imaging department.  Only one set of film is available with the current film system in use at Southlake.  This one set of films must be used by all hospital departments, physician offices, specialists and other hospitals.  This means that the films can be in many different locations and not available in the right place at the right time.  With PACS images are available 24/7 and multiple copies of the exams are stored for disaster recovery.  This protects patient data and improves patient care when previous exams are available for comparison purposes. 

What are the benefits of PACS for patients?

• Decrease in wait times
• Physicians can view images on any PACS workstation in just a matter of seconds
• Faster and more accurate diagnosis with decisions regarding treatment made more quickly
• Physicians with hospital privileges can view images in their office using a protected network
• No more large brown envelopes following patients around
• Disaster recovery will now be provided for images
• Repeat exams can be avoided now that exams are available 24/7 and shared between hospitals in TEN DI PACS Project.

What are the benefits for Staff and Physicians?

• Access to images 24/7 in multiply locations simultaneously
• Immediate access to images with previous exams available for comparison purposes
• Reduced report turnaround time to referring physicians
• Consultations with images made easy for physicians in different locations within Southlake as well as with other health care facilities linked to Southlake

"I've found PACS to be far faster and more accurate than traditional film technology in the ER."  "PACS has been the standard for some time now -- it will be a great boost to efficiency and accuracy in our ER."

Dr. Shawn Whatley, Emergency Physician
Southlake Regional Health Centre

Partnerships

Our vendor partner Agfa has installed PACS (named IMPAX) in over 120 Hospital sites across Canada and 900 worldwide.  Agfa’s team has worked closely with us during our planning stages and will continue to do so during our training, implementation and GO-LIVE periods over the next few months.

Toronto East Network Diagnostic Imaging PACS Project (TEN DI PACS Project)

Southlake’s system will also be connected to a province wide PACS project that is currently underway with the Toronto East Network Collaboration and Canada Health Infoway.  This project will use a single repository to link exams in over 23 corporations, 35 sites, and 4 LHINS.  It will encompass 30% or one third of Ontario’s population and includes 2.5 million DI exams a year.

"PACS is coming to Southlake to benefit all of our patients, not just those receiving diagnostic imaging services.  The expedited time from procedure to final image, faster radiological consults, full and instant access to images not just from this hospital but for patients seen in partner hospitals coupled with the lower costs of service will allow more patients to been seen at Southlake faster;  in other words, another innovation to provide patients with Shockingly Excellent Service."

Peter Finkle, Chief Operating Officer
Southlake Regional Health Centre

PACS “GO-LIVE” & FILMLESS DATE FOR SOUTHLAKE
IS MARCH 12, 2007.

Please watch for future updates on the implementation of PACS at Southlake!