CST for patients

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, BC Cancer – Surrey will move from old systems and paper-based charts to an electronic patient records system.

We're going electronic!

This new system – CST Cerner – and related practice changes, are designed to improve the safety, quality and consistency of patient care. CST stands for Clinical & Systems Transformation.

BC Cancer – Vancouver started using this new system in 2021, followed by BC Cancer – Prince George in 2023, and most recently BC Cancer – Abbotsford went live with the new system this January. Following Surrey center’s go-live in May will be Victoria centre and Nanaimo satellite, set to go live later this year.

What should I expect at BC Cancer – Surrey during this time?

As BC Cancer – Surrey staff and physicians adapt to this new system, your appointment may take longer than usual. Like anything new, there is always an expected learning curve so there may be minor delays in services. We continue to focus on providing you with quality care.

There will be a new check-in process for every in-person appointment. Look for signs and volunteers to guide you.

During this transition, we have temporarily adjusted how we schedule appointments to give our care teams time to adapt. We may be less flexible when booking your appointments during this period.

Other changes you might see include extra support staff and new devices, like computers on wheels.

Thank you for your patience during this time.

What are the benefits of going electronic?

Care teams with real-time access to the information they need for more seamless communication about patients
Less time repeating information or tests
A safer medication management process

Will patients be able to access their own information?

We do not currently have a patient portal in the new system. However, CST Cerner will increase the quality and consistency of patient information available to health professionals. Learn more about the CST project.

CST Cerner will not change our existing process to request your records at BC Cancer.

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a member of your BC Cancer care team. If your care team cannot address your concerns, they will connect you with department or centre leadership.

If you feel your issue was not addressed or your complaint was not resolved, you may wish to contact the Patient Care Quality Office (PCQO) directly: pcqo.phsa.ca.

Resources:

Learn more about the benefits at CSTproject.ca.

Do you identify as Indigenous? Learn more about how Indigenous self-identification can support you as a patient at BC Cancer.