Released on August 25, 1997
Health Minister Clay Serby and Saskatchewan Association of HealthOrganizations (SAHO) Chair Brian Rourke today announced that a
Saskatchewan Health Information Network (SHIN) will be developed to
enhance health services across the province.
Forty million dollars will be invested over two years to develop SHIN,
which will make use of SaskTel's existing fibre-optic network.
Elements of SHIN include the development of individual electronic
health records, the installation of technology linking health district
professionals, and the implementation of software systems for
ordering, recording and tracking health services.
Three telehealth pilot projects will also be implemented to
demonstrate how telecommunications technology can enhance access to
health services:
A real-time video conference network linking nine sites, La
Ronge, Ile-a-la-Crosse, Prince Albert, North Battleford, Meadow
Lake, Nipawin, Saskatoon and two northern nursing stations, to
allow health providers and specialists to consult and share
information;
A network allowing physicians in the Southwest Health District to
share patient records electronically, assisting them to provide
continuous medical and emergency coverage to patients; and,
Internet applications for public education and professional
development in several health districts.
"Providing the best possible health services means taking
advantage of new technologies," Serby said. "Advanced
information systems can help bring services closer to rural
residents, lead to better treatment decisions and give health
professionals more time for hands-on care. We are taking
Saskatchewan health into the information age."
"Today's announcement on SHIN is the result of extensive
discussion about the needs of the health system," Rourke said.
"District health boards welcome this opportunity to move forward.
SHIN offers great potential for all parts of the health system."
Serby said that personal privacy and information security will be
key considerations in the development of SHIN. "The security of
personal information can actually be improved with the right
technology. At the same time, a strong policy framework is
essential. We intend to develop new legislation, in consultation
with the public, to ensure that personal health information
remains confidential."
A new Crown agency will be established to develop, manage and
operate SHIN. The SHIN board will include representation from
government, SAHO, district health boards, health professional
organizations and the public.
Following a call for proposals, Science Applications
International Corporation (SAIC) was selected to lead SHIN
implementation. SAIC is an employee-owned company with extensive
global experience including the development of large scale
integrated health care systems for public and private sector
clients.
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For more information, contact:
Warren Bickford
Communications and Public Information Branch
Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8433