Leeds and York trust tendering for new electronic patient record

Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, a provider of mental health and learning disability services, is tendering for a new electronic patient record (EPR).

The trust deployed its current Civica Paris EPR in 2011, according to Digital Health Intelligence, and this month the trust decided to “test the market to ensure they are fit for the future”.

Nick Venters, consultant psychiatrist and chief clinical information officer at the Leeds and York trust said they consulted with clinical staff last year who use the EPR gaining insight to form part of the tender specification.

“Ultimately, we are re-procuring to ensure that we have the best possible system that serves the needs of our patients”, Venters said.

“The reason for the switch is to try to get the best possible EPR system, whether this is PARIS or another supplier.”

Venters said they are after an EPR which has a streamlined user experience.

“…backed up by workflow and connecting to a wealth of clinical information in a form which is easily accessible to front line staff wherever they need to be.”

It aims to spend between £2 million and £5 million on a new EPR which will be on a seven-year contract. The roll-out will form part of the organisation’s health informatics strategy.

Between now and 22 September, the trust is seeking bidders interested in delivering an EPR system.

The proposed contract start date is 30 April next year, with the end date set for 31 March 2025.

The trust’s IT spend in 2014 was ranked 33 out of 50 mental health trusts in annual IT spend levels, according to Digital Health Intelligence.

The trust provides specialist mental health and learning disability services to the people of Leeds and across the Yorkshire and Humber region. It employs more than 2,500 staff and saw upwards of 25,000 service users in the 2015/16 year. The trust’s annual turnover is about £167 million.