Northeast Health Wangaratta goes live with Magentus Charm Oncology system

Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) has successfully gone live with the Charm Oncology Information Management System, marking an important milestone in the delivery of cancer care across the region.

Funded by the Victorian Government and delivered by Magentus, the implementation introduces a modern, fully electronic chemotherapy prescribing and scheduling system. The platform replaces paper-based workflows and manual processes, supporting improved patient safety, efficiency and quality of care.

For decades, oncology services have relied on paper charts, manual scheduling and fragmented communication, approaches that can contribute to inefficiencies, delays and an increased risk of transcription errors. With this go-live, NHW joins more than 100 facilities nationwide using Charm to support evidence-based cancer treatment. More than 100,000 patients have been managed through Charm over the past decade, providing a proven digital foundation for oncology services.

A leap forward in patient safety and care quality

Charm has been designed to support person-centred cancer care by creating a single source of truth for treatment information. For patients, this can mean clearer communication, fewer delays and a more coordinated experience throughout their treatment journey.

Electronic prescribing and administration reduce the risk of medication errors through real-time verification, built-in clinical checks and decision support aligned with best-practice protocols. Standardised documentation supports continuity of care, while integrated scheduling helps address inefficiencies associated with manual appointment booking.

“Moving from paper-based systems to Charm is a game-changer,” said Kim Bennetts, NHW Executive Director of People and Corporate Operations. “Our patients deserve the highest standard of care, and this technology helps us deliver that safely, efficiently, and consistently. This implementation reflects our commitment to safe, high-quality care and our vision for a digitally connected health service.”

Efficiency that benefits clinicians and patients

The transition to Charm is expected to streamline workflows across nursing, pharmacy and oncology teams. Automated scheduling reduces administrative burden, while integration with Slade Pharmacy supports medication ordering and dispensing by reducing duplication and manual handling. Removing paper charts and checklists enables clinicians to spend more time focused on patient care.

“Charm doesn’t just improve processes, it transforms the experience for clinicians and patients alike,” said Margot Mason, Head of Clinical Services at Magentus. “This is about enabling care teams to work smarter, not harder, and ensuring every patient receives timely, evidence-based treatment. It’s about giving clinicians the tools they need to deliver exceptional outcomes.”

Beyond immediate operational improvements, Charm also positions NHW for a more digitally connected future. Real-time access to patient records supports collaboration across disciplines, while structured data enables audit, research and continuous improvement. The introduction of wall-mounted computers and Workstations on Wheels (WOWs) supports bedside documentation and mobility, aligning with NHW’s broader digital health strategy.