Joseph Brant Hospital will start using a new digital health information system called Dovetale on Sunday, Nov. 1, the hospital says. It is the same award-winning system St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton runs, built on Epic, a widely used electronic health record software.

The point is coordination. With both hospitals on one shared platform, care teams in Burlington and Hamilton will have more seamless access to patient information. The launch is the central milestone of Project Harmony, the digital overhaul Joseph Brant has undertaken with St. Joseph's.

Patients should expect some bumps. Some hospital processes may take longer than usual in the first days and weeks as staff and physicians adjust, though care will continue throughout. Anyone with questions or concerns about their visit should speak with a member of their care team. Trained Super Users and help teams in high-visibility vests will circulate through the hospital to help staff and physicians.

"This is a significant change for our hospital," said Eric Vandewall, Joseph Brant's president and CEO, who thanked patients, families and the community for their patience.

Separate from the system staff use, patients will be able to sign up for MyDovetale, a secure online portal for viewing appointments and available health information on a computer, smartphone or tablet. Details are on the hospital's website at josephbranthospital.ca/mydovetale.