Quality healthcare relies on strong partnerships and we deeply value our relationship with primary care providers.
By working together, we enhance hospital experiences, ensure safer transitions home and improve the overall health of residents in Niagara.
As we continue through our stabilization period, the Hospital Information System (HIS) team is simultaneously laying the groundwork for a seamless transition to full operational status. Through April, our focus is on stabilizing the system by addressing outstanding concerns and proactively resolving new issues, such as:
Scanned Reports Sent Back via Fax – Adjusting folder structures to prevent unnecessary redistribution.
Report Routing – Fine-tuning distribution to ensure appropriate recipients, formatting, and content.
Referral Management – Validating the external address book, with expected resolution in March.
Comprehensive Review of Report Distribution
Efficient report distribution is essential for seamless healthcare communication. To optimize workflows and eliminate inefficiencies, we are conducting a full review of current methods:
Faxed Reports – Identifying and eliminating unnecessary report types to improve efficiency.
HRM Transmissions – Ensuring only essential reports are sent to streamline electronic delivery.
System Alignment – Standardizing distribution methods to enhance consistency, reduce errors, and improve overall management.
Report Retrieval & Support
If a report is not received as expected, please check ClinicalConnect or contact the Health Information Management Department at your NH site. Provide the following details for prompt resolution:
Patient MRN (Medical Record Number)
Service Date and Time
Report Type
Expected Delivery Method (HRM, fax, etc.)
Niagara Health is committed to working with primary care providers and external partners to ensure high-quality patient care. If you’re still having issues with HIS, please reach out to our SCOPE team. They will escalate the matter to our HIS team, ensuring your concerns are tracked and followed up on promptly.
If your matter is urgent, please call the HIS Service Desk 905-378-4647 Ext. 42850 PRESS 3.
Defining what is urgent:
If your HIS issue has a direct and immediate impact on patient care, or if it causes a critical system failure that prevents staff from performing essential job functions, it is considered urgent.
Examples of urgent issues:
Reports Not Received via HRM – Ongoing issue; providers are encouraged to report occurrences.
Inability to access patient records or documentation needed for care.
Critical system errors that prevent clinicians from ordering or administering medications.
System failures in high-traffic areas (e.g., ED, OR, ICU) that interrupt clinical workflows.
Issues affecting the accuracy of patient information or results (e.g., lab values, imaging).
A new and updated fax verification and report delivery change form is now available for providers who wish to update their report delivery preferences. A complete form is required for opting out of faxed reports after registering with HRM. This form serves two key purposes:
1. Fax Number Verification: Confirming the provider’s current fax number.
2. Report Delivery Setup: Determining whether the provider wants reports sent via fax or not.
Documenting these changes is essential for auditing purposes and helps maintain accurate and reliable communication channels.
Contact us: SCOPENiagara@niagarahealth.on.ca
SCOPE Niagara launched May 25, 2022.
Please call the HIS Service Desk 905-378-4647 Ext. 42850 PRESS 3.
For other HIS concerns, please reach out to our SCOPE team. They will escalate the matter to our HIS team, ensuring your concerns are tracked and followed up on promptly.
Health Information Management
Health Information Management Release of Information Specialists can be reached at 905-378-4647.
For site-specific contact information including fax numbers. Visit the Health Information Management webpage.