[telemedicine] Oregon Hospital Network Garners Federal Funds for IT

[Medical Informatics News]

The Central and Eastern Oregon Hospital Network has been awarded a one-time sum of $199,897
by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality. This investment will be used to identify the health information technology infrastructure –
including computer hardware, software and systems integration – required to establish a regional approach to
enhancing patient safety and quality care through the increased use of technology. From the Bend Bugle:

Currently, CONet’s member hospitals represent a wide range of sophistication in their use of computer technology.
Member facilities will use the federal funds to work cooperatively in a joint effort to develop integrated HIT
infrastructure throughout the region, benefiting some of Oregon’s most medically underserved counties.

CONet is the largest regional hospital network in Oregon. The application for funds was submitted to DHHS by St.
Charles Medical Center in Bend, with Harney District Hospital in Burns, Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day, Lake
District Hospital in Lakeview, Mountain View Hospital in Madras and Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Prineville signing
on as well. In addition, these hospitals also collaborated in creating and implementing the state’s first and only
rural telemedicine network.


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