AQW 48896/22-27

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 17/06/2026
Answered On Date: 01/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any measurable efficiencies or savings that have been achieved since the introduction of EpicCare Link, including how these are being quantified, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.

Answer:

My Department does not hold analysis which identifies measurable efficiencies or savings directly attributable to the implementation of EpicCare Link.

EpicCare Link provides authorised primary and community care users with predominantly read‑only access to clinical information held within the encompass system to support continuity of care. It does not schedule or deliver clinical activity and provides only limited additional functionality. It is not designed to directly generate measurable financial savings or efficiencies.

While the encompass system as a whole supports a wide range of clinical and operational processes across Health and Social Care, EpicCare Link is a specific component focused on information access and does not in itself drive these activities.