Saskatchewan's New Paperless Death Registration System Speeds Up Support for Families
A new paperless system is speeding up death registration in Saskatchewan and getting death certificates into the hands of loved ones faster and easier.
The Electronic Death Registration and Notification (EDRN) system, launched by eHealth Saskatchewan last fall, is transforming how deaths are registered across the province. Accessible from any computer or mobile device, EDRN streamlines the process by auto-filling patient information, reducing errors, and eliminating paperwork.
“What used to be a time-consuming, paper-heavy, and sometimes confusing process is now streamlined, intuitive, and remarkably efficient. We wouldn't want to go back to the old way — and I don't think anyone else will either once they try it." – Saskatchewan Coroners Service
Dr. Carmen Johnson from Regina says she's pleased with how simple the system is. “Entering the requested information is very straightforward. Just a few clicks and it's done."
Though still new, the system has already lead to key improvements:
- Average registration time has dropped from 45 days to as few as 4.
- Over 6,500 deaths submitted through EDRN so far.
- Automatic notifications to Service Canada help prevent benefit overpayments.
Jennifer Lindenbach, Director of Vital Statistics and Health Registries, says the goal is to reduce turnaround time to just 15 days: “We're happy to take at least one thing off that list during a difficult time."
eHealth continues to refine EDRN with user feedback, making it even faster and easier to use.
