Perl is the name given to the new EHR system at Mater Private Network. The implementation of our EHR system began in September at our Dublin, Leinster and Limerick locations and followed at our Cork hospital in December. With this we are the first private hospital group to introduce a comprehensive and fully integrated EHR system across all locations in Ireland. This is a key milestone in the history of our network and the culmination of several year’s work by a dedicated team, with a significant investment of resources across all aspects of the hospital system.

Perl is designed to improve the quality of care that patients receive by making health information easily accessible to all the clinical team involved in the patient’s care. This means better coordination and access to legible patient care information, ensuring fewer documentation errors, and more personalised care. 

Instead of paper-based records and charts, a full patient record is available in one online system that is accessible in real time by the care team. This means there are none of the delays when paper-based charts need to move between departments, or when test results and reports need to be communicated to different members of the team. It supports best-in-class care and ensures that all important patient information is available whenever and wherever it is needed. 

Medical professionals from outside Mater Private Network, who are involved in a particular episode of a patient’s care, will also be able to receive patient reports electronically, meaning quicker access to test results. 

Patients do not have to do anything differently and should continue to contact Mater Private Network in the normal ways. There will be an adjustment period, but overall, it is aimed to enhance patient healthcare experience.

EHR systems use advanced security measures such as encryption and secure login protocols to protect patient data. Only authorised healthcare providers and staff members can access patient records.  

Our cyber security team has robust measures in place to minimise the risk of external parties or “hackers” accessing our EHR system.  Our staff regularly complete mandatory cyber security training to stay alert to new risks posed by anyone attempting to access our systems for malicious purposes.

Traditional paper-based records will not disappear; all historical medical records and information have been kept and are accessible whenever needed.  

Access to a patient record is restricted to the healthcare team, which includes doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in their care. Access is granted based on the principle of need-to-know, meaning only those who need to see information to provide care are able to access it. All confidential information is secure and protected from being accessed accidentally or otherwise by any member of staff who does not need to see it.

Patients can see certain elements relating to their care through our patient app*, mymaterprivate. This app is available for download in the Apple/Google stores. This app enables patients to see their upcoming appointments and any appointments made after the go-live date. Other functionality includes the ability to request an appointment and view or pay their bill. Additional functionality will be added to the app over time. 

*The app will be available for Cork patients from mid-December onwards.

If there is a technical problem with Perl, we have Information Technology (IT) support teams in place to address and resolve issues quickly. There are also "downtime” policies and procedures to ensure that patient care is not disrupted, including the use of temporary paper records if needed.

Patient health information is updated in real-time by their healthcare providers during and after their visits. Perl is maintained by our IT department, which ensures the system is up-to-date with the latest security patches and software updates. 

Perl has the functionality to capture digital signatures and consents. These digital consents include General Consent to be treated, Procedural Consents, Pregnancy Declaration, Insurance forms, etc. By digitising these documents, we can ensure that all necessary and legal consents are conveniently and properly recorded, stored, and easily accessible in one single location for reference. 

With the implementation of Perl, we encourage GPs to send referrals electronically via an encrypted email address or via Healthlink. For many referrers this is already their current referral process. 

Perl streamlines internal processes across our network of locations. Moving to a fully electronic platform supports better referral tracking, reduces appointment and report turnaround times, and improves communication between the referring physician and MPN in relation to patient care.

Following their appointment with us, the patient’s test/scan results will be sent to you electronically. The same will apply for discharge summaries from the hospital. You may continue to receive some of the Consultant discharge summaries by email or by post. 

Perl is expected to improve the turnaround time for test results and reports by facilitating faster and more efficient communication between Mater Private Network internal departments and consultants, and ultimately with the referrer. 

Perl is designed to facilitate coordinated care by allowing multiple healthcare providers to access and update patient records in real time. This ensures that all providers have the most up-to-date information and can collaborate effectively and efficiently on patient care.

Perl has the functionality to capture digital signatures and consents. These digital consents include General Consent to be treated, Procedural Consents, Pregnancy Declaration, Insurance forms, etc. By digitising these documents, we can ensure that all necessary and legal consents are conveniently and properly recorded, stored, and easily accessible in one single location for reference.