Released on April 27, 2012
Today, the province introduced the Saskatchewan Lab Results Repository that puts lab results in providers' hands faster and improves the care experience for patients.
"Improving patients' access to health care services is a priority for our government," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "As a key building block of the electronic health record, the Lab Results Repository will ensure fewer duplicate tests, quicker access to lab results and a more complete history of previous testing."
When the service is launched later this month, providers will be able to access 85 per cent of all provincial lab results. As the repository is fully implemented, electronic lab results will be available anywhere a patient seeks medical care across Saskatchewan.
"I applaud Saskatchewan's significant milestone, which is making crucial information securely available to a wide range of health providers throughout the province," Canada Health Infoway President and CEO Richard Alvarez said. "This accomplishment exemplifies the national vision of generating clinical value through the use of information and communications technologies."
The Lab Results Repository has cost $26.7 million to date, and Canada Health Infoway has committed $22.7 million to this project.
The secure Lab Results Repository has already accumulated more than 10 million laboratory test results, increasing by approximately 50,000 additional results each day.
All electronic lab results are stored within a secure central repository and access is limited to authorized health care providers. Privacy and security requirements guide the storage and use of personal health information. Patients who would like to learn more about the privacy and security aspects of this service, including an option to mask their laboratory results from view, can learn more at www.health.gov.sk.ca/ehealth-privacy or by calling 1-800-667-1672 or 306-787-8963.
The province is getting closer to a fully functioning provincial electronic health record (EHR). The Lab Results Repository joins the existing components of the provincial electronic health record and regional electronic health systems. The Pharmaceutical Information System (PIP) improves patient safety by helping to manage drug therapy for patients under the care of multiple providers. The Picture Archiving & Communication System (RIS-PACS) improves access to care closer to a patient's home community through a provincial service that stores, retrieves and displays x-rays, CT scans and other diagnostic images.
Read more about the Saskatchewan Lab Results Repository at www.health.gov.sk.ca/labresults.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tyler.mcmurchy@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3594
Dan Strasbourg
Canada Health Infoway
Toronto
Phone: 416-595-3424
Email: dstrasbourg@infoway-inforoute.ca