The updates represent the completion of phase one of the programme, the major part of the project, which was originally planned to be ready in October 2024.
It has cost £22m. out of a revised total agreed budget of £21.7m. plus £2m. for contingencies. But the budget for the project was originally £17.3m. 18 months ago it was readjusted to £22m. after the committee admitted significant overspends due to the complexity of the project.
HSC president George Oswald said it was a significant milestone for the service and there would need to be a period of adjustment. ‘The long-term benefits for patients and staff are clear. We are fully committed to making this transition a success and grateful to the community for their patience and understanding as we move into this new chapter.
‘This programme is essential to the future of our health and care services. I want to acknowledge the dedication and unwavering commitment of everyone involved in getting us to this point.’
The project has taken several years to conclude and replaces a system called TrakCare with one called IMS Maxim, described as being safer and a more efficient way of working as well as being supportive of more coordinated care, giving clinicians faster access to accurate information, reducing paperwork and making it easier for care plans to be updated.
During its phasing in, there may be short delays to appointments and processing tests in the days ahead, possibly including longer waiting times at the Emergency Department.
But no cancellations are anticipated and patients are being advised to attend appointments unless contacted.
‘The new system will bring meaningful improvements to the way we work,’ said HSC director of operations Dermot Mullin.
‘It will reduce duplication, enable faster access to accurate information, and ultimately allow staff to spend more time on what matters most – caring for patients.
'Although there will naturally be a period of adjustment once the system goes live, the long-term benefits for both service users and staff are significant, and we are excited to be nearing this important milestone.’
The introduction of this new system follows the successful upgrade of a separate system, RiO, used for child health and Children & Community Services last year, and this will now be extended into Community and Adult Disability Services.
HSC will now start work on costing phase 2 of the project which will look at potential additional functionality in the new system.
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