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BVIHSA assures patients of security of health records

The BVIHSA Health Card which will be introduced as part of its newly implemented Health Information Management System, CELLMA. Photo:VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Patients across the Territory are being assured of the security of their health records with the BVI Health Services Authority’s (BVIHSA) introduction of a ‘One card, One record’ Health Information System this week.

The card, when introduced, will offer patients the option of accessibility of care and treatment at any of the government run health facilities around the Territory and this has raised concerns over the issue of confidentiality. Though persons will still be able to receive treatment at facilities affiliated with the Authority without the card in their possession, it was recommeded that persons try to carry them at all times where possible. 

Both the representatives of the BVIHSA and contracted firm, RioMed, have sought to assuage those concerns, noting that there were a number of measures in place to prevent misuse of and illegal access to patient records and treatment results.

RioMed Representative, Mr Mario Mohammed, explained that there was a system of ‘Legitimate Relationships’ established in relation to access to patient records. “A legitimate relationship allows you to have a username and a password,” he disclosed.

Persons having this type of access first needed to be part of a user group which would have associated privileges. Doctors, nurses and clerical staff, he explained, would all exist in different user groups which would be further separated by roles. “Information is provided to health care professionals who need it… you can’t just go into a system and search your record or my record… without a legitimate relationship to that patient,” Mr Mohammed said.

Regarding software security, BVIHSA Information Technology Manager Mikey Farara assured persons that all systems were in place to ensure software redundancy and the security of patient records from prying eyes.

He said, “Even though the application is a web-based application, the application is run right now, internally.” As a result of this, there is no outside access especially since there are firewalls and other security measures in place as is customary with any network.

“Once we go fully online,” Mr Farara continued, “when patients will have access, that’s when we will also increase our security to try and minimise risks.”

These security measures are all covered under the initial $1.7M cost of the implementation of the CELLMA Information Management System, Virgin Islands News Online was told.

Mr Farara also assured that even though the system is aspiring to be a paperless one, legislation in the Territory requires that hard copies are still kept for all patient records, and this will be adhered to.

7 Responses to “BVIHSA assures patients of security of health records”

  • virgin gorda (11/01/2013, 08:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    did we not hear this before????
    • @ Virgin Gorda (11/01/2013, 09:28) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Dumb da dumb dumb...Take a high school class, or at least trust those who have a clue.

  • NOT (11/01/2013, 08:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Duh!
  • VOICES (12/01/2013, 10:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am still waiting to hear how the service will be improved? what is the HSA plan to recruit and retain good doctors? I am not yet convinced.
  • voter (12/01/2013, 14:52) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lets start with proper management of the doctors by hiring a Chief of Medical Staff. The present one is useless! No "good" doctors will either come or stay with the current leadership.

    Least said about Ghetto Diva the best. She needed to be gone so long.

    These two have the big man head so "whoop te toop" that he cant be objective or think straight.

    Good system, but not under the current "mismanagement/misleadership"
    • Substitute (13/01/2013, 10:08) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Agreed. Both need to be REMOVED effective IMMEDIATELY! Minister of Social Development is lacking vision for these 2 MISFITS along with the CHAIR!
  • Boo (13/01/2013, 17:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good lord! These two jokers in the pack have the Chair under their spell. Same thing happened with the last board just a different two women were in the "driver's seat" so to speak.

    Come on Minister lets send these two misfits home so we can get things moving at Peebles.


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