The Department of Health today launched a new 10-year Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Programme which aims to modernise the Health Service in Northern Ireland.

Welcoming the programme, which outlines how electronic records and information will support the modernisation of the Health Service, Health Minister Angela Smith said the implementation of the new programme would enable health professionals to deliver health care fit for the 21st century.

“Better use of information, communicated and shared through reliable and secure networks, is central to modernising the delivery of care, treatment and services to patients and will make vast improvements to the lives of our care professionals,” Ms Smith said.

“Over the next 10 years the HPSS ICT Programme, backed by an additional investment of at least £95m, will deliver new systems and technology across the HPSS.”

Referring to one of the main objectives of the programme, which is to establish a unique electronic care record for each individual, the Minister said the new plans would “create a much better informed service, particularly in regard to the patient’s care history”.

“It will enable much faster flows of information such as referrals, results of tests, and appointments and allow quicker decisions to be made about care,” she continued. “It will also provide the opportunity for a widespread exchange of information between care professionals throughout the various organisations within our health and social services.”

The Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland 2005-2015, recently issued for consultation, indicated a commitment of at least an additional £95 million for ICT in health and social services over the next 10 years.

The Programme has three particular goals: electronic care records, electronic care communication and electronic information.

(MB/SP)