“The April 1 Go Live is the first big step in a multi-million dollar technology investment the NMC Board of Directors charted for NMC in October 2006,” said Steve Kelly, NMC president and CEO.

The new EMR system eventually will enable physicians to manage patient care from their offices through a single, easy-to-use desktop portal. The patient information is captured from bedside computers and shared throughout the hospital for safely administrating medications and blood products. Total integration of the new EMR computer system throughout the NMC campus is expected by spring 2009.

To help the transition on April 1, all iCARE team members are easily identified wearing red shirts bearing the distinctive iCARE Team logo. They will answer employees’ questions about the new system.

“In addition, the Information Systems’ helpdesk will be available 24 hours a day for the first three days of this transition,” Jeff Webber, information systems manager, said.

iCARE is the name selected for the MEDITECH-brand EMR system suggesting the medical center’s motto, “Where Care Begins With Caring.”

Pictured is iCARE Team member Nancy Stucky, M.T. ASCP, a clinical laboratory professional, working with the Susan Merrifield, laboratory administrative assistant.