New electronic health record set to improve healthcare for communities in Dorset and Somerset

A major digital transformation programme to improve the way people access and experience healthcare across Dorset and Somerset is now underway.

The Healthset programme, a joint initiative between Dorset County Hospital, Dorset HealthCare, University Hospitals Dorset, and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, has signed a contract with Epic to provide the electronic health record for the two counties.

Creating a single, joined up record will give health and care professionals a clearer, more complete picture of each person’s health and will replace a patchwork of existing IT systems, bringing together information from acute hospitals, community and mental health services.

This will help reduce delays, improve safety, and ensure the 1.4 million people living in the area don’t have to repeat their story every time they move between services or across county boundaries.

The Healthset team is now working closely with Epic to design and build the new system, with implementation planned for April 2028.

Beverley Bryant, Chief Digital Officer for Dorset Providers and Senior Responsible Officer for the programme, said: “This is a huge step forward for people in Dorset and Somerset. Some of our residents receive care in both counties, and this new system will help ensure their information follows them wherever they go. Epic’s solution will support safer, more coordinated care and make the experience smoother for patients and service users.”

David Shannon, Director of Strategy and Digital Development at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and joint Senior Responsible Officer, added: “Our new EHR will transform how teams work together across sites and services. It will improve clinical quality, enhance patient and staff experience, and support more efficient care. It also opens the door to new opportunities in research and innovation that will ultimately benefit our communities.”

Mercedes McCoy, Vice President of Epic, said: “The trusts across Dorset and Somerset are connecting hospital, community, and mental health services on a single platform. We’re excited to work with their teams to give clinicians a complete view of each patient’s story and empower people to take a more active role in their own health.”