Northern Ireland’s healthcare system has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of My Care, a patient portal designed to empower patients and service users with greater control over their healthcare. Available as both a website and a downloadable app, My Care provides secure and personalised online access to specific parts of medical records. Already, almost 90,000 people in Northern Ireland are active My Care users.
What is My Care?
My Care allows patients to access crucial healthcare information such as medications, appointments, and some test results from the comfort of their own homes or when they are out and about via the click of a button. This innovative portal is free to use and optional, ensuring that patients can continue to interact with healthcare services through traditional communication methods if they prefer. However, it is important to note that GP records are not available on My Care. Social Care records are not available on My Care yet but will be accessible in the future.
How to Log In
To access My Care, service users need to have an active nidirect account. The My Care app can be downloaded from the App Store (Apple/iOS devices) and Google Play (Android devices), when searching for the app you must type in ‘MyChart’. Once installed, users can select My Care from the drop-down menu and sign in using their nidirect account information. For those needing assistance with registration and login, a dedicated helpdesk is available at mycarehelpdesk@hscni.net or by calling 028 9536 8180.
Managing Your Data on My Care
My Care ensures that all data is managed securely and efficiently. The portal provides access to information such as patient demographics, care teams, active medications, allergies, and upcoming and past visits. It also allows patients to view letters delivered to them and discharge notes and instructions.
Who can Access Information on My Care?
Patients and service users of the South Eastern, Belfast and Northern Trusts can access information on My Care, as these Trusts are live with the encompass system. Southern and Western Trusts will have information available on My Care after May 8, 2025, when they Go-Live with encompass.
Future Developments
My Care is an evolving system, continuously improving based on patient feedback and technological advancements. Once the whole region of Northern Ireland adopt the encompass system, patients and service users will be able to access their healthcare information through My Care, transforming communication with their healthcare providers, making healthcare more accessible and patient-centered than ever before.
Videos and Resources
To help patients navigate the portal, several videos are available, including:
More resources including a how to log-in guide, easy read guide, FAQs and data information are available here: My Care – DHCNI
These resources aim to make the transition to digital healthcare as smooth as possible for all users.
Contact details:
For more information, visit the My Care website My Care – DHCNI or contact the helpdesk for support at mycarehelpdesk@hscni.net or by calling 028 9536 8180.