Cerner software

The new, integrated clinical information system that is being developed as part of the CST project is based on software developed by Cerner Corporation.

In 2008, the Ministry of Health issued a strategic priority requiring all health authorities to rationalize and standardize their clinical information systems to one of two core clinical platforms: Cerner or MediTech.

VCH, PHSA and PHC chose the Cerner platform, which has a history of hundreds of successful implementations across North America and worldwide. Cerner software is already in use in BC as the regional clinical information system across Island Health and Northern Health, and is used in some facilities within PHSA and VCH. Most recently, Cerner was also chosen by the US Department of Defense to upgrade one of the largest and most complex clinical information systems in the world.

Where some projects have opted for more complex custom-designed solutions, Cerner is a known product built specifically for the health sector. This makes it simple to configure the technology to meet the needs of VCH, PHSA and PHC, and makes it easier to upgrade as technology changes.

We are also looking closely at other major projects to identify learnings to ensure maximum success and stability for Cerner and CST.