NI move to digital health systems accelerated by coronavirus
In the wake of COVID-19, the Northern Ireland Department of Health (DH) has taken significant steps towards a digital future health system.
The first step towards the transformation of the health service is the announcement of a contract awarded to Epic Systems to create a digital health record system for all citizens of the country. The system will be called Encompass.
Robin Swann, Health Minister, said:
“Digital transformation will have a vital role in the rebuilding of health and social care in the wake of the first Covid-19 wave.
“For example, virtual clinics will increasingly be embedded in the provision of care. That innovation has been fast tracked as a result of Coronavirus. It is here to stay. Further digital innovation will revolutionise services and Encompass is a major step in that direction.”
This investment is the first step in a £300 million overhaul of health system information technology.
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