This funding is part of a total planned investment of £300million over the next ten years for Information and Communication Technology (ICT). New and upgraded ICT systems will be made available across primary, secondary and community care to play a major role in improving services to the public.
Speaking as he opened the state-of-the-art Medical Imaging Centre at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Michael McGimpsey said: “A 21st century health and social care service needs the most modern and innovative technology available. By investing in technology we can vastly improve the experience of the patient using our services. Patient information is less likely to be lost and can be available to a wide range of staff at the touch of a button.
“Over the next ten years I plan to invest £300million in ICT. This funding is as a result of the capital priorities review which I commissioned to help inform me on the longer term investment required in the health and social care infrastructure.
“This investment means that all parts of the health and social care system will benefit. Investing in technology for community care will improve record-keeping and the sharing of information between professional groups providing a range of care to patients and clients.
“A medicines management system will lay the foundations for electronic prescribing in our hospitals. New technology will also be available to support improvements in cancer care.
“Information technology systems will be upgraded to ensure that there is a flow of information between primary and secondary care.
“An exciting part of this investment package is the Northern Ireland Picture Archiving and Communications System (NIPACS) which will enable diagnostic radiology images such as x-rays and scans to be stored and viewed electronically at any hospital site across Northern Ireland. This system means patients will not have to wait as long for results and will be able to move quicker to the next point of treatment or discharge. Clinicians will have instant access to historic images and patient records ensuring quicker diagnosis and treatment.”
The minister concluded: “Today’s announcement is yet another example of how we are investing in our services. In recent weeks I have announced major investments in the Ambulance and Fire Service. By providing state-of-the-art facilities and technology we will continue to ensure that we have a first class health and social care service which continues to put patients first.”
Notes to Editors:
- Over the ten year period 2008/09-2017/18 the department has been allocated a total capital envelope of almost £3.3billion, against a bid of £5.8billion. Just over £700million of this is earmarked for the Comprehensive Spending Review period with the balance of just over £2.5 billion allocated in the remaining period of the Investment Strategy.
- All capital expenditure is subject to the normal business case approval process.
- Media enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
