Back in June, we announced the kick-off of the Connecting DI (CDI) Program, which aims to provide seamless medical imaging and report sharing across British Columbia. One of CDI’s main projects is the implementation of a single Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) platform for PHC, PHSA, and VCH using the Philips IntelliSpace PACS.

The first step in this initiative is to upgrade the PACS across all VCH/PHC sites from Philips iSite version 3.6 (aka Web DI) to Philips IntelliSpace version 4.4.532. The new IntelliSpace will function as both a web viewer and a radiology system and will eventually replace the existing AGFA and IntelleRad radiology systems. This upgrade is slated for November 6, 2015.

What does this upgrade mean for you?

During the upgrade, iSite will be taken offline. We are working closely with your site to identify image viewing workarounds for the downtime. Immediately following the upgrade, all iSite (Web DI) users will begin using IntelliSpace. Then, over the next couple of months, sites will go onboard to IntelliSpace as a radiology PACS in a staged approach.

Radiology PACS dates by site

• Lions Gate Hospital and Coastal sites: November 9th, 2015
• Mount St. Joseph’s Hospital: December 4th, 2015
• Vancouver General Hospital: January 25th, 2016
• Richmond Hospital: January 25th, 2016
• UBC Hospital: January 25th, 2016
• St. Paul’s Hospital: February 29th, 2016

Please watch out for detailed information about the November 6th PACS upgrade, including user impacts, downtime procedures, and user reference materials (if required), which will be provided in the coming weeks.

Questions?

Please contact Jeff Fung, PACS Upgrade Project Manager, at jeff.fung@phsa.ca.