University Hospitals Dorset has signed a new agreement to bring a single digital health record system to Poole, Dorset, to make it easier for staff and patients to share information. The project, known as the Healthset programme, involves a £222 million contract with the software company Epic. This update is designed to help local doctors and nurses see a patient’s full medical history in real time.
The new system will allow patients to see their own health information and appointment details online. It is intended to stop people from having to repeat their medical history every time they see a different specialist or move between different local services. By using one central record, the hospital aims to reduce delays and make it harder for patients to miss important appointments.
The initiative is a joint effort between four local health organisations, including Dorset County Hospital, Dorset HealthCare, and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. The goal is to create one unified record for around 1.4 million residents across the region. This will link up hospital care with community health and mental health services to keep records in one place.
Beverley Bryant, the chief digital officer for Dorset providers, stated that the software will support safer care and make the experience smoother for patients. The system is currently being designed and built. It is expected to start being used by staff and patients in April 2028.
