22nd September 2026
Four teams from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust have been shortlisted in the Digital Health & Care Northern Ireland (DHCNI) HSC Digital Awards 2026.
The Trust has secured four shortlist places across this year’s awards, recognising projects that are improving access to services, enhancing patient safety, supporting staff and using digital innovation to improve care.
The Mental Health Steps to Wellness Digital Self-Referral Pathway has been shortlisted in the ‘Empowering People Award’ category. Developed as a pilot initiative, the pathway provides a simpler and more accessible way for individuals to seek support for their mental health and wellbeing, helping them take greater control of their healthcare journey.
The Trust has also secured two shortlist places in the ‘Digital Team of the Year’ category. The Data Quality and Information Standards/Data Definitions Partnership Team has been shortlisted for its work to improve the quality, consistency and reliability of information recorded within Encompass. The team has strengthened recording standards, improved data quality and developed solutions that support patient care, service planning and reporting across both the Trust and the wider health and social care system.
Also shortlisted is the Pharmacy Encompass Implementation Team, recognised for its leadership in transforming medicines management through the implementation of Encompass. Working closely with pharmacy, clinical and digital colleagues, the team has introduced electronic workflows that support safer prescribing, dispensing and administration of medicines, helping to improve patient safety and streamline care.
In the ‘Improving Staff Experience Through Digital and Data’ category, the Trust has been shortlisted for its implementation of Electronic Medication Administration Records (eMAR) and Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA). The initiative has transformed medicines management for nursing and midwifery staff, reducing reliance on paper-based processes, increasing confidence and enhancing patient safety.
Elaine Wilson, Director of Planning, Performance and Informatics, said:
“To have four teams shortlisted in these awards is a fantastic achievement.
“These projects show how digital solutions can make a real difference for patients, service users and staff, whether by improving access to support, enhancing patient safety, supporting our workforce or strengthening the information that helps us make decisions every day.
“Supporting research, innovation and transformation is central to our vision for the future. By investing in digital innovation and embracing new ways of working, we can continue to improve patient care, support our staff and deliver better outcomes for the communities we serve.
“We are incredibly proud of everyone involved and delighted to see their work recognised at a regional level. We wish all of the shortlisted teams every success at the awards.”
The winners of the DHCNI HSC Digital Awards 2026 will be announced in October.
