Celebrating the People Driving Digital Transformation Across Health and Care
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October 15, 2026
Health and Social Care’s digital innovators, data leaders and change-makers came together on Thursday 8 October, as the winners of the HSC Digital Awards 2026 were announced and celebrated.
Recognising the outstanding individuals and teams using digital technology, data and innovation to improve services, enhance staff experience and deliver better outcomes for citizens across Northern Ireland. The awards, supported by Digital Health and Care Northern Ireland (DHCNI), shine a spotlight on the creativity, commitment and collaboration driving digital transformation across the HSC system.
Held at the La Mon Hotel in Belfast, the awards brought together colleagues from across Health and Social Care with shortlisted entrants and invited guests enjoying afternoon tea before the announcement of this year’s winners.
Winners were selected from a highly competitive field of entries representing a wide range of organisations, professions and disciplines from across the HSC family.
The awards recognised excellence across seven categories, with the shortlisted projects and people demonstrating how digital and data are helping to transform care, support staff, improve decision-making and create better experiences for patients, service users and families.
2026 Award Winners
Improving Services: Regional Breast Assessment Waiting List, BSO encompass
Driving Change Using Data and Analytics: SPPG Patient Level Information & Costings (PLICS), Strategic, Planning & Performance Group (SPPG)
Empowering People: My Journey, Northern Health & Social Care Trust
Improving Staff Experience Through Digital and Data: Mobile Access Management, SEHSCT
Partnership for Digital Innovation: Emotional Wellbeing Teams in Schools (EWTS), SPPG
Digital Team of the Year: Data Issues to Digital Improvement Building Trust in encompass Data, Southern Health & Social Care Trust
Digital Rising Star: Caroline Wilson – Transforming Stroke Rehabilitation Through Digital Innovation, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Dr Paul Rice, Chief Digital Information Office, DOH congratulated all finalists and winners:
“These awards recognise the incredible talent, innovation and dedication that exists across Health and Social Care. Every finalist has demonstrated how digital and data can make a real difference to people’s lives, improve services and support our workforce. Congratulations to all of our winners and everyone who took the time to share their inspiring stories.”
The quality and diversity of entries highlighted the growing maturity of Northern Ireland’s digital health and care landscape. From empowering citizens to better manage their health, to harnessing data for insight and improvement, and from innovative partnerships to outstanding leadership, the awards showcased the many ways digital transformation is helping shape the future of health and social care.
While the awards celebrate success, they also highlight the opportunities that lie ahead. The projects recognised this year demonstrate what is possible when technology, data and people come together with a shared focus on improving health and care.
Digital Health and Care Northern Ireland would like to thank everyone who submitted an entry, supported colleagues through nominations, participated in judging, and helped make the HSC Digital Awards 2026 such a success.
Congratulations once again to all our winners, finalists and nominees for helping to build a more connected, innovative and digitally enabled health and care system for Northern Ireland.
Page last updated: 15 October 2026