Havering Hospital to Launch Electronic Patient Records in Sept

Havering Hospital will launch its electronic patient record system on 13 September, according to Matthew Treynor, Chief Executive of Barkinghaven and Redbridge Trust (BHRUT). The new system aims to improve patient safety and staff experience by providing immediate access to patient information.

Speaking at a meeting of the Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, Mr. Treynor explained that BHRUT will be the last acute trust in London to implement an electronic patient record. He said the new system will give everyone in the hospital immediate access to test results and notes, and will also allow staff to see what has happened to patients who have been to other hospitals.

We'll be rolling out this electronic patient record that will give everyone in the hospital access immediately to test results, to notes, etc, said Mr. Treynor. And it also means that if someone's been into Newham A&E one day and then turns up at King George or Queens the day after, we should be able to see the same test results and find out what's happened to them.

The implementation of the electronic patient record is part of a £44 million investment to transform how BHRUT delivers care for patients. The system will hold all patient information, from medical history and allergies to medication and blood test results, in one secure digital record instead of on paper, improving patient safety and reducing the risk of medication errors.

BHRUT is using the same system (Oracle) as Barts Health, so clinicians working across the seven hospitals run by BHRUT and Barts will be able to access patient records.

Councillor Sunny Brar asked about the implementation of the electronic patient records, and whether there would be any savings in terms of labour. Matthew Treynor, Chief Executive of Barkinghaven and Redbridge Trust, said that he was slightly sceptical about the claims that are made about the savings that come from this, and that the key benefit will be around safety and hopefully a better patient and staff experience.

Councillor Ajanta Deb Roy also asked about the contingency plan if the electronic patient record rollout faces delays or technical issues. Matthew Treynor, Chief Executive of Barkinghaven and Redbridge Trust, said that they would carry on doing what they're doing, and that they have a business continuity plan in place.