Telepathology Network Established in Newfoundland and Labrador

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Attendees at the Newfoundland & Labrador Centre for Health Information’s Provincial Telepathology Network Announcement: Rosemarie Goodyear (CEO, Central Health), Gillian Sweeney (Vice President of Clinical Information Programs and Quality, Newfoundland & Labrador Centre for Health Information), Michael Green (President and CEO, Canada Health Infoway), Mike Clarke (General Manager, GE Healthcare Canada).

The Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information (NLCHI) has partnered with GE Healthcare to install a province-wide Telepathology Network. The $2.5 million Telepathology Network, jointly funded by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada Health Infoway, will give patients and pathologists across the province greater access to pathology services and support.

Telepathology uses telecommunication technology to facilitate the review of image-rich pathology data between locations for the purposes of secondary consults, education, quality assurance and research. With this technology, pathologists in the province have access to a secure connection to perform secondary consults for their peers throughout the province.

“The Telepathology Network connects pathologists located in regional health authorities with their peers.” said Gillian Sweeney, Vice President of Clinical Information Programs and Quality. “This approach will support pathologists in delivering optimal care to the people of our province by providing access to timely consultations, sub-specialty pathology support, educational opportunities and quality assurance.”

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to strengthening the provincial health care system is demonstrated by their support of eHealth solutions such as the Telepathology Network.

“Newfoundland and Labrador is now one of the first jurisdictions in the country to implement a province-wide digital pathology network. We will continue to work with, and support NLCHI and the regional health authorities as they implement other innovative eHealth solutions that enhance patient care for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” said the Honourable Dr. John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services. “The Telepathology Network is one of the ways government is delivering on its commitment to improve responsiveness, effectiveness and efficiency of the healthcare system.”

Canada Health Infoway, the not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government that is working with its partners to accelerate the development, adoption and effective use of digital health across Canada, invested $1.4 million in the project.

“The Telepathology Network we are celebrating today demonstrates how innovation in digital health can help deliver better quality of care and access to care for improved health,” said Michael Green, President and CEO of Canada Health Infoway. “With this technology, patients from remote communities and cities alike will have access to the expertise of leading specialists.”

“GE Healthcare is pleased to partner with customers and governments around the world to deliver broad-based solutions for better patient care and health system efficiency,” said Mike Clarke, General Manager, GE Healthcare Canada.