Vaud Grand Council approves Epic software for hospital records

The Vaud Grand Council has approved the implementation of Epic software to replace the electronic patient record system at the CHUV and eleven other facilities within the Federation of Vaudois Hospitals (FHVI). The project, which carries a total budget of over 207 million francs, follows five weeks of intense debate.

While the need to replace the aging current system was not contested, the selection of the American company Epic sparked significant opposition. Critics raised concerns regarding digital sovereignty and a potential long-term technological and financial dependency on a foreign corporation, arguing that local solutions should have been prioritized. Supporters of the decision noted that Epic is widely used in other Swiss cities like Bern and Zurich and argued that tests showed it is the best solution for reducing administrative burdens on medical staff. Proponents also emphasized that data will be hosted in Switzerland and remain subject to Swiss law.

Separately, in Geneva, the State Council has launched calls for tenders to develop a new health network and a health insurance fund. The initiative aims to coordinate healthcare actors and improve patient care, with a long-term goal of reducing average cantonal premiums by 20%.