Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has recently announced the implementation of the encompass digital record system, marking a significant transition from paper-based processes to a unified digital record for each patient. This system, which went live on 6 June 2024, will enable staff to access care records instantly, whether patients are in a hospital setting or receiving care at home.
encompass is a Health and Social Care Northern Ireland (HSCNI) initiative that aims to establish an electronic care record for every individual in Northern Ireland, supported by the Epic electronic patient record system. One of the key features of this initiative is the MyCare portal, which grants patients access to relevant portions of their medical records, such as medications, appointments, and select test results.
Dr. Cathy Jack, the chief executive of Belfast Trust, noted the positive impact of this transition in a press release, highlighting the improved efficiency and patient safety benefits. Alastair Campbell, the director of performance, planning, and informatics at Belfast Trust, emphasized the pivotal role of encompass as the primary platform for delivering care across various clinical and administrative teams.
Dr. Dermot Hughes, encompass’s senior responsible owner, acknowledged the extensive effort involved in implementing this system within a large trust like Belfast. This monumental change, aimed at enhancing patient care and operational efficiency, is part of a broader HSCNI strategy that involves the gradual implementation of encompass across all health and social care trusts by the end of 2025.
The introduction of encompass is part of a 10-year agreement with Epic, valued at £275 million, signed in 2020. Additionally, Belfast Trust and South Eastern Trust have recently integrated the Clinisys WinPath laboratory information management system to modernize their pathology services, further demonstrating their commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the community.
