My Care reaches 300,000 Users: Patient Shares His Empowering Digital Health Care Journey
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April 1, 2026
More than 300,000 people across Northern Ireland are now using My Care, the secure online patient portal that gives users quick and easy access to their health information online, as part of Health and Social Care’s encompass digital transformation programme.
Among the My Care users is Brian McGlade, a 73-year-old man who says that the system has become an essential part of his recovery following a life-saving liver transplant. Diagnosed several years ago with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) – a rare autoimmune condition, Brian had been attending regular liver clinic appointments in the Royal Victoria Hospital, long before receiving his liver transplant in July 2024.
With the launch of the new encompass system and the rollout of My Care across Health and Social Care services, patients like Brian are able to feel more empowered in their health care journeys. Reflecting on his experiences, Brian says My Care has made a striking difference:
“I have found the My Care app invaluable in keeping track of my many follow-up appointments and viewing some of my blood results. This has given me some sense of control of my medical requirements.”
For patients managing rare or complex health conditions, it can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate hospital schedules and test results. Brian explains that having early access to his blood results has helped him make the most of his time with clinicians, “Having some of my blood results before attending clinics help me prepare some questions to ask.”
In addition to results and appointments, Brian highlights how useful he finds other features within the system, for example, follow up letters after appointments and medication tracking, he states: “Overall it is a good system for keeping you informed.”
Stories like Brian’s highlight how digital access is becoming a powerful tool in promoting patient care. My Care is designed to make patients feel like partners in their care and reaching 300,000 users is an important milestone in executing this. Through My Care, patients are experiencing the benefits of clearer communication, improved transparency, and greater involvement in their health journey.
**Brian would like to say particular thanks for receiving this generous donation from his life-changing donor and the support from his donor’s family.**
Make sure to sign up now, click here for more information on how to: How to Log-in to My Care – Oct 2024
If you require further support please contact the My Care helpdesk on: mycarehelpdesk@hscni.net or call 028 9536 8180
Page last updated: 1 April 2026