'New era' declared for NI healthcare after project completed in 'significant milestone'
Northern Ireland's Health Minister has declared the beginning of a 'new era' in healthcare as all health trusts complete the transition to a new patient record system.
The roll-out of Encompass was completed yesterday after the Southern and Western Health and Social Trusts adopted the new system.
First announced in 2020, the system went live at the South Eastern, Belfast and Northern Trusts over the past 18 months.
Mike Nesbitt said the full roll-out of the Encompass patient record system was a 'significant milestone' and puts the region at 'the forefront of digital transformation of health service delivery'.
The system allows for a single digital care record for every citizen in Northern Ireland who receives health and social care.
Patients and service users will be able to access their health information online via My Care, the patient portal.
Mr Nesbitt said the progress was the result of a 'concerted effort' across the health and social care system and he thanked 'each of those who have played a key role in getting us here', adding: 'This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and has allowed Northern Ireland to modernise our systems and fundamentally improve how we deliver care .'
Tom Simpson, deputy chief digital information officer at the Department of Health, said: 'Today is a really important day for the transformation of our health and care sector.
'This isn't just a new IT system, it is about changing how the sector works so that our staff have the right tools to deliver the best service for all in Northern Ireland.'
Mr Simpson said that the system will streamline how care is delivered, by giving care workers 'quick access to the right information and the right time'.
'It eliminates heavy paper records, reduces repeat tests and helps hospital-based pharmacists manage medicines more safely. It also provides better quality data to help improve services for the future and achieve better outcomes,' he added.
Dr Dermot Hughes, the senior responsible owner for Encompass, said: 'This outcome is the result of many years of hard work and collaboration by thousands of staff, within Trusts, the core Encompass team, the BSO and the DHCNI. I thank everyone involved for their commitment and expertise.
'This is a proud day for the health and social care service and a powerful step towards a healthier future for all in Northern Ireland.'
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