Christie Administration awards grant to "NJSHINE" - NBC40.net

A new program is expected to help South Jersey physicians provide clear and accurate health care to their patients through the use of new technology.

Thanks to a new information technology database patients like Bill McGee say they are more comfortable when it comes to visiting the hospital.

"I think it's a good system. That way there are fewer mistakes. They go to my immediate doctors to get all the information they need."

The database, referred to as "NJSHINE" is being sponsored by the Christie Administration through a one million dollar grant that was given to the New Jersey Department of Health to put patients information from all of their doctors into one place.

7 hospitals, 400 health providers and 22 practices have already signed on to participate here in South Jersey.

"It benefits the patient because the patients information is now available to those caregivers in our region that are providing the types of services that they will be serving," said V.P. of Shore Medical Center, Frederick Banner.

Health care officials at Shore Medical Center were one of the first to jump start the program's organization.

They say that "NJSHINE" will cut back on health bills for both their patients and insurance companies.

In addition to money saved, physicians say patients will save time as well.

"I can go to my computer or even my cell phone when a patient calls and look their record up, and be intelligent in caring for them because I have information about their health care. I have their drugs, I have the past lab data, and I have their diagnosis," said Angelo Sparagna, President of the Shore Physicians Group.

But ultimately officials say "NJSHINE" is most important for putting the patients safety first.

"NJSHINE" is expected to be fully integrated into participating hospitals and practices by mid summer.