Around 7,300 hospital discharge letters from February onwards may not have been received electronically by Jersey GP practices, because of a computer issue.
The letters are only sent electronically, and are used to tell a GP when someone went to hospital, what treatment or advice was given, whether any medicines were changed, and whether any follow-up care is needed
It's estimated that 7,300 discharge letters, around 27% of the total number sent during this period, were not received electronically because of an issue with third-party software, which links the hospital and GP computer systems.
In a statement, Health Minister Senator Tom Binet said:
"No data has been lost as a result of this issue. The discharge letters remain available, and work is underway to make sure GP practices receive the information they need.
"The issue is with third-party software which links the hospital and GP computer systems. It is not an error in either the hospital or GP electronic patient record systems.
"Health department staff and GPs are working closely together to resolve the issue and review any impact on patients. GP practices will receive a report tomorrow, Thursday 16 July, to help them identify any patients who may have been affected. GPs will review this information and, if they have any concerns about your care, they will contact you directly.
"Health department staff and GPs are taking a number of joint actions to support patient safety. This includes producing paper discharge letters in the Emergency Department and providing a copy to patients when they leave."
Islanders are being told they don't need to take any action 'at this stage'.
Senator Binet added:
"This issue highlights the importance of improving digital systems across health and social care, and why investment is being made to improve the sharing of medical information safely and reliably.
"We apologise for any concern this may cause. We are working as quickly as possible to restore fully reliable links and ensure that GP practices consistently receive electronic discharge summaries."
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