Advanced technology behind the scenes: Connecting and improving rural care digitally

At St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital in Sherbrooke, patients are benefiting from a new digital tool that works behind the scenes to support faster, more co-ordinated care.

The hospital has adopted the Care Coordination Centre’s (C3) Patient Manager (PM) tile. This innovative technology gives staff real-time insight into each patient’s care journey.

The new digital link now connects St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital with facilities across Nova Scotia, creating a seamless network of care. It’s one of the many rural community hospitals that now have access to this advanced technology, which strengthens teamwork, communication and ensures patients receive the right care, in the right place at the right time.

C3 is advancing how care is co-ordinated in rural communities.

By providing a clear picture of what patients need next, whether it’s a test, treatment, or discharge planning, the Patient Manager tile helps teams keep care moving efficiently. It means fewer delays, less paperwork and more time focused on patients.

“We start every day by looking at C3,” said St. Mary’s site lead and health services manager Lindsay Stevens. “It shows us who might be ready to go home and what steps are needed to make that happen. It also helps us prepare for patients returning to our hospital after receiving care elsewhere without making multiple phone calls.”

For patients, the new technology means smoother transitions and quicker access to the right care in the right place.

When someone needs to be transferred to another hospital for specialized treatment, the Patient Manager tile makes it easy to see when transfers are scheduled and when beds will be available.

Thanks to C3 technology, healthcare teams are moving from relying only on paper records to accessing real-time patient information electronically. This means every team member can quickly understand a patient’s needs, which in turn improves care and communication.

It also helps teams check their patients’ progress quickly and ensures smooth handoffs between shifts.  By using this technology in team huddles, updates are quick and clear, meaning the team can spend more time where it matters — with patients.

Clinical nurse lead Nicole Keefe explained the value of the Patient Manager tile. “Being a rural hospital near two other healthcare zones, we often care for patients outside our home area. The PM tile helps identify a patient’s home hospital and enables collaboration with the C3 team to bring patients closer to their families, primary care providers, and care teams for effective follow-up and ongoing management. This improves bed flow and keeps care moving for everyone.”

Behind the scenes, frontline care teams work closely with C3 staff every day to co-ordinate transfers and solve challenges quickly. This partnership helps patients receive timely, equitable care no matter where they live. 

“We want patients to know that even at small, rural hospitals, we have access to the same advanced systems as larger facilities,” Nicole emphasized. “That means you can expect the high-quality care, wherever you are in Nova Scotia.”

Want to learn more about how C3 is connecting care to change lives visit: Care Coordination Centre (C3) | Nova Scotia Health.

Photo of (L-R) Lindsay Stevens, registered nurse site lead/health services manager and Nicole Keefe, registered nurse clinical nurse lead at St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital.