Quebec is set to begin rolling out its long-delayed digital health records system later this week, starting in Montreal and the Mauricie region, as the province aims to modernize care and reduce paperwork for medical staff.

The system is designed to replace paper files and fragmented platforms with a centralized digital record, giving health-care providers quicker access to patient information, including medical history, test results, prescriptions and care plans.

MUHC Department of Medicine Chair, Dr. Marc Rodger, who has experience using a similar system in Ontario, said the technology can significantly improve care by allowing both doctors and patients to access key health information, such as lab results, imaging and treatment instructions.