A global body has officially recognised Chase Farm Hospital (CFH), as one of the most digitally advanced hospitals in the UK.

The hospital continues its membership of an elite group of UK healthcare organisations after it was given a new enhanced rating by HIMSS Analytics® for the quality of the technology it employs.

CFH achieved the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) Stage 7, an international benchmark for the use of advanced IT to improve patient care and the highest level an organisation can achieve. To date only three other NHS hospitals have achieved stage 7 status.

CFH is part of the Royal Free London (RFL) group, which in 2016 was one of 16 trusts chosen by NHS England to pioneer new technology as part of its Global Digital Exemplar (GDE) programme. 

According to HIMSS criteria, stage 7 means the trust has improved patient safety by providing critical information when and where clinicians need it. In addition, the trust has reduced time and errors in care delivery and seen increased patient satisfaction. Effective hospital policies and governance for data security are critical components.

Dr Alan McGlennan, CFH chief executive, said: “We are delighted that Chase Farm Hospital has achieved a stage 7 rating – this is testament to the hard work of our staff and the vision we had from the very beginning to deliver truly outstanding care to our patients which was supported by digital excellence. The inspectors told us we clearly demonstrated how a digital culture was embedded in the hospital and this approach is key to the future of the NHS.”

John Rayner, HIMSS regional director for EMEA, said: "The speed with which Chase Farm Hospital has increased utilisation of technology since the stage 6 validation in 2019, has shown its commitment to the digitalisation of its services to help improve outcomes for patients.

"It was impressive to see how analytics were used to monitor and improve outcomes in triage in the Urgent Treatment Centre, to reduce waiting times for elective orthopaedic surgery and for the reduction of surgical site infections. The hospital has demonstrated a strong leadership culture taking staff on an on-going journey to provide better and more equitable patient care and increasing staff satisfaction."