Lakeridge Health Achieves Top Recognition for Digital Health Innovation

DURHAM REGION – August 31, 2026 – Lakeridge Health has achieved Stage 7 of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM), joining a select group of Canadian hospital systems to earn this distinction. The model’s highest level recognizes organizations that use electronic medical records, analytics, and digital workflows to improve patient safety, quality, and coordination of care. 

“What makes HIMSS EMRAM Stage 7 especially meaningful is that it recognizes the technology Lakeridge Health has in place and how our clinicians and care teams use it to deliver better patient care,” said Dr. Ilan Lenga, Chief Information Officer and Regional Chief Medical Information Officer. “For our patients, residents, and clients, this means their care teams are supported by digital systems that help make information more accessible, reduce duplication, strengthen medication safety, and support better coordination across all departments, sites, and care settings.” 

Stage 7 validation followed a rigorous assessment of Lakeridge Health’s use of electronic medical records, clinical workflows, data sharing, analytics, medication safety, clinical decision support, and health information technology to improve care quality and outcomes. 

“Digital technology is most valuable when it helps us deliver safer, more efficient care. EMRAM Stage 7 recognizes that we are using technology in meaningful ways to support clinical decisions, optimize clinical operations, improve patient safety, and strengthen care coordination,” added Dr. Larry Nijmeh, Emergency Physician and Lakeridge Health’s Chief Medical Information Officer. "Ultimately, this translates into a better experience for providers, more effective use of healthcare resources and better outcomes for the patients we serve.” 

“Stage 7 reflects what happens when technology becomes part of safe, reliably care every day,” said Rachel Howe, Clinical Practice Leader, Corporate Interprofessional Practice, EPIC Nursing Lead. “This achievement belongs to every member of the Lakeridge Health team; our front-line clinicians, physicians, operational leaders, and corporate partners have embraced consistent workflows, used data to guide decisions and worked together to deliver safer, more coordinated patient centered care.” 

“This achievement reflects the health system we are building for one of the fastest-growing communities in Ontario,” said Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health. “Through our 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, we have committed to using technology and innovation thoughtfully and responsibly to deliver better, faster, and more equitable care. HIMSS EMRAM Stage 7 is an important recognition of that progress and a strong foundation for what comes next.” 

Lakeridge Health’s Stage 7 validation builds on its previous HIMSS EMRAM Stage 6 milestone and continued investment in digital tools that support safer, more connected care. These tools include Bar Code Medication Administration, integrated diagnostic imaging through Sectra One Cloud, the MyChart Central East Ontario patient portal, and the continued optimization of Epic, Lakeridge Health’s clinical information system. 

Information security and privacy remain central to this work. Lakeridge Health holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certifications, global gold standards for information security and privacy management that help protect patient information and maintain trust as digital care continues to evolve. 

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About Lakeridge Health
Lakeridge Health is one of Ontario’s most comprehensive health systems, with five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a state-of-the-art, community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community-based locations delivering acute, ambulatory, and long-term care. We are home to leading regional programs in cancer care, chronic kidney disease services, and critical care. In addition, we offer specialty services such as a Level 3 Trauma Centre, The Shoulder Centre, thoracic surgery, gynecology oncology, eye care, and a full continuum of mental health and addictions care. Through transformative research, dynamic academic partnerships, and over 160 active clinical studies, we are advancing medical knowledge and training the next generation of providers through the Queen’s–Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program and the LHEARN Network. Supported by nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, and working in collaboration with the Durham Ontario Health Team and community partners, we are committed to building an integrated system of care and empowering people across Durham Region to live their best health.   

For more information, please contact: 
Lakeridge Health Strategic Communications Media 
communications@lh.ca