THE BOSSES of Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust have apologised to patients following the launch of its new electronic system.

The electronic patient record system went live over the weekend and some Wexham Park Hospital visitors have already called it a "shambles".

However, the Trust did warn people that waiting hours could intially be longer than usual due to the system.

It is also urging patients to use “alternative health services” before attending the A&E department as it has seen "unprecedented numbers of patients" arriving this week.

The Observer heard from one recent visitor, Dave, earlier this week after he took his daughter to A&E for a head injury and he wasn’t impressed with the new system.

Another man from Slough, wishing to remain anonymous, also shared his experience with his daughter and her three-year-old child.

His daughter went to A&E on Monday (June 13) as her child was vomiting and 111 advised she took her to the Emergency Department.

He said the room was “packed” when he dropped them off at the hospital at around 1pm.

He explained they had to wait until 9pm to be seen by the doctor and said his main concern was the long wait times, especially for parents with children.

Dr Huw Thomas, Clinical Chair of NHS Frimley Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “I would like to thank our communities for their continued support to the NHS.

“It makes a real difference when local people access care and support from the best service to meet their needs.

“It helps us to ensure that our Emergency Departments are able to provide the best care for those with serious and life-threatening injuries and illnesses.”

Dr Thomas explained the impact of the “unexpected increase” in patients is causing additional challenges for the Emergency Departments as they introduced the new system.

Dr Tim Ho, Medical Director at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, added: “The EPR system is a really exciting development for Frimley Health that will mean safer, better and much smoother care for our patients.

“The new electronic patient record is replacing some 260 separate data systems and paper records.

“It is the best-in-class system and was chosen by our clinicians, who have also helped to develop it over the last three years.”

Dr Ho explained the Trust anticipated teams may be slower than unsual as they get used to the new system.

Adding: “We deliberately chose to introduce it in the summer, as this is when we historically see fewer patients in our emergency departments.

“This unprecedented demand is therefore putting additional pressure on our service and clinical teams and is inevitably impacting on the time patients have to wait to be treated.

“Our teams are doing everything they can to deliver the highest standards of care and patient safety remains our first priority.”

Dr Ho said the team will do all they can to minimise any impact to patients but is also asking for patients to use alternative services if appropriate.

He added: “We are really sorry that Dave and his daughter had to wait longer than usual to get the care she needed.

“It seems that they did the right thing by calling 111 before coming to hospital.”

Unless it’s an emergency the Trust has reminded patients to use their local pharmacy, contact their GP, phone 111 or visit the Minor Injury Unit at Brants Bridge in Bracknell.