WESTERN AUSTRALIA – The Western Australian Department of Health has entered into a contract to deploy a state-wide patient management system.

The new system i.PM, from iSOFT, will be an upgrade to the TOPAS solution and is part of the state's eHealth reform program.

"Introducing complementary new solutions to create a seamless electronic patient record is a key part of our strategy to strengthen iSOFT's global footprint," said Denis Tebbutt, iSOFT Australia managing director. "Western Australia now has an unparalleled suite of cost-effective eHealth solutions that enhance the provision of healthcare across the entire patient continuum."

The contract provides a $1.5 million license fee to iSOFT and an additional $15.4 million in implementation and support of five years, pending on approval.

With this system in place, Western Australia will become one of the first states of the nation to implement a fully integrated patient health record across multiple hospitals. According to a recent press release, if WA approves the implementation across the board, there is a possible $3.5 million for services if the solution is rolled out to another 68 rural sites.

Should the roll out be approved, i.PM would be installed at 13 different sites that include Sir Charles Gairdner, Royal Perth Fremantle and Princess Margaret hospitals. i.PM will be available to some 6,000 users, enabling access to administrative services from patient registration to outpatient scheduling.