AQW 49022/22-27

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 18/06/2026
Answered On Date: 08/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether any further efficiencies and savings are planned as part of the additional functionality of EpicCare Link.

Answer:

My Department does not hold plans for further efficiencies or savings arising directly from the implementation or additional functionality 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.