April 17, 2026
Manitoba Government Implements Electronic Patient Record at Ashern's Lakeshore General Hospital
– – –New System Improves Access to Patient Information and Supports Bedside Care: Minister
The Manitoba government is modernizing health care, improving access to patient information and supporting front-line care with the implementation of an electronic patient record (EPR) system at Lakeshore General Hospital in Ashern, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.
“The work to modernize and strengthen health care includes giving front-line providers better tools to do their jobs,” said Asagwara. “Electronic patient records mean providers can access the information they need, when they need it, which helps reduce duplication, improve communication and support safer, more co-ordinated care for patients. This is another way we’re axing the fax.”
Ashern is one of the first rural communities in Manitoba to implement the electronic patient record, marking an important step in expanding modern digital tools beyond major centres and into rural health-care settings.
“The electronic patient record is more than a technological upgrade, it is a transformation of what rural health care can be,” said Iraj Ghanbari Miandoab, site medical lead, Ashern and Eriksdale hospitals and clinics. “In Ashern, we’re building a future where every patient encounter is informed, connected and worthy of the trust our communities place in us. Transitioning to electronic patient records represents Ashern’s commitment to safer care, better communication and a future where every clinical decision in our rural communities is supported by timely and accurate information.”
The EPR system helps streamline documentation, improve access to patient information and support more efficient care at the bedside. The emergency department has been using EPR for all new patients registered after March 3.
“Establishing the electronic patient record in Ashern has been a really positive change for our team,” said Taylor Buors, clinical resource nurse, inpatient unit, Lakeshore General Hospital. “It’s enabled us to have quick access to a patient’s detailed medical history, so we can spend less time finding information and more time caring for patients. Overall, this has reduced our administrative tasks and made our workflow more efficient, helping us provide safer and more organized care.”
The minister noted the rollout of EPR will continue in phases, with Shared Health’s Digital Shared Services team leading the implementation. Additional rural and regional sites will also be brought online as the system expands across Manitoba. This work is part of the government’s broader effort to modernize health care and improve access to timely, connected patient information provincewide, the minister added.
Town halls about the electronic patient record are planned this spring in partnership with Doctors Manitoba. The Manitoba government continues to work with front-line providers to modernize health-care systems and improve access to care across the province.
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