Health Alliance gets $1M infusion
By KATHY KAHN
Health Alliance Inc. will receive
$1 million from the state, according to an announcement
from state Sens. Bill Larkin, R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson,
and John J. Bonacic, R-I-C, Mount Hope.
Health Alliance, acting parent of Kingston and Benedictine
hospitals, was formed following a consolidation mandate
enacted last year as a result of the Berger Commission.
In an effort to consolidate non-clinical functions
and reduce operating costs at Benedictine and Kingston,
officials from both hospitals appealed to Larkin and
Bonacic for funding to upgrade their electronic medical
record systems.
The funds will enable both medical facilities to make
upgrades in lab, radiology and pharmacy scheduling;
patient identification and bar coding; critical care
documentation; medical device interfaces (such as monitors
and pumps); computerized physician order entry; electronic
physician documentation; wireless nursing carts; document
imaging; server hardware and software; and automated
medication administration.
“It is extremely important that the consolidated electronic
systems of Kingston and Benedictine hospitals be uniform
and consistent,” said Larkin. “This funding will provide
the two hospitals with state of the art technology
to help them coordinate their resources and services
in a more efficient way. It will greatly assist medical
staff and ultimately improve patient safety.”
Added Bonacic: “Advocating for this funding was a priority
for both of us, and I am pleased it was included in
the final state budget. Having … (an) information technology
system is not only a cost savings for the consolidated
hospital, but will allow for more efficient, accurate
and timely patient care.”
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