To ask the Minister of Health whether the Radiology Department at the Belfast City Hospital is making use of the My Care system.

The Radiology Department at Belfast City Hospital utilises the MyCare system to support patient engagement and appointment management.

Through the MyCare app, patients are able to view essential details regarding their radiology appointments. This includes the date and time of the appointment, the location, the type of examination, specific instructions for the visit, relevant contact information, and any upcoming appointments scheduled in the future.

Although the app allows patients to confirm their appointments, this confirmation is not currently integrated with the regional radiology system, NIPACS+. Therefore, patients are advised to refer to and follow the instructions provided in the appointment letter sent to their home address.

Radiology reports are not automatically made available within the MyCare system. This regional decision was taken due to the complexity of imaging reports and limitations in reliably designating results as either critical or abnormal within the Encompass-NIPACS+ configuration.

Nonetheless, patients may access radiology-related information if it is included in clinic letters, which are accessible through MyCare.

Proxy access is provided for parents or guardians managing the care of paediatric patients, as well as for vulnerable adults. Such access is arranged via the responsible secondary care clinician, ensuring appropriate support for these patient groups.