University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust activated its new Epic electronic patient record system on 23 July 2026. The deployment covers the trust's hospitals and community sites, marking the final stage of a major regional effort to connect patient data across Devon.
The platform brings together key details in one place. Medication records, allergies, immunisation status, laboratory results, radiology images and vital signs are now integrated. This allows secure sharing between different healthcare settings under the One Devon programme. Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has operated the same system since 2020, while Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust went live on 3 April 2026.
Officials have been clear about the immediate consequences of such a shift. Patients and staff should expect longer waiting times in the early days as clinical teams adjust to the new workflows. The trust has stressed that patient safety and the delivery of high quality care remain the top priority during this transition.
Colleagues are really excited about our new EPR and I would like to thank everyone who has been working so hard to get ready for the launch. As we get to grips with our new system, patient safety and care will remain our top priority and we will continue to deliver the highest possible quality of care. We are asking for our patients and their families to bear with us over the coming days while colleagues get up to speed with the new system. If you have concerns or need additional help with your care at any time, please talk to your clinical team.
The words came from Sarah Brampton, deputy chief executive and chief finance officer at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. Her statement reflects the balance required in large-scale NHS digital projects: genuine operational gains weighed against the friction of change.
The Epic system also includes the My Care patient portal. Through it, patients can view test results, appointment details, recent visits, complete health questionnaires, send messages directly to care teams and grant proxy access to family members. Such features are intended to reduce repeated questioning and support more continuous care across organisational boundaries.
Pattern of regional adoption
This rollout completes the connection of the three main acute trusts in Devon under a shared digital record. Earlier implementations at the other trusts demonstrated that once staff move beyond the initial adjustment period, the unified view of patient information can sharpen clinical decisions and limit unnecessary duplication. Yet the trust's own advice on waiting times serves as a reminder that these benefits are not instantaneous.