“I can access my health information from the house, or if I am out or on holiday. When you are not feeling well and you are worried about your blood results, it is good to have those results the next day, rather than wait or worry.” This is the praise for the My Care patient portal ‘app’ from South Eastern Trust patient, Davy King who has been using the system since its launch in October 2024.
The My Care patient portal allows patients across Northern Ireland to view information about their digital medical record, such as their medications, appointments and some test results. It is free and it is optional to use.
Over 45,000 people in the South Eastern Trust are already using and enjoying the benefits of the My Care patient portal on their digital devices, via an app or web browser.
Davy shared how he attends the Ulster Hospital for biologic infusions to help ease symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. As he prepared for his midweek appointment in the hospital clinic, Davy was already notified of his next appointment via the patient app.
“I think the My Care app is absolutely brilliant,” said Davy. “I have just sat down and already I know when my next appointment is coming up. When I used to give blood I would have had to wait for a week, sometimes two weeks for results and now I am getting them the next day.”
Davy continued, “I think the app is great, I started using it when it first launched. Any letters that are sent from the hospital Consultants to my GP, I get to see on the My Care app as well. I would encourage people to download the app, it literally gives you some control and lets you know what you need to do. I can go onto the app and send a direct message about my next appointment, or if I have to delay it, rather than telephone.”
“Before I leave the hospital today, I will check my phone and the My Care app will have my next blood appointment, the technology is fantastic!”
Assisting Davy with his appointment, Ulster Hospital Staff Nurse, Cheryl White shared how much patients are “loving” the app. Cheryl added, “The patients are able to plan ahead when they get the notification as to when they know their next appointment will be. It is great to have that access right there in front of them on their phone.
“Patients are able to see their blood results as well, so it is reassuring for them to know the outcome of those tests.
“If we are not able to get the patient on the phone, we can send messages to them and that will ping up on their app as well and they can communicate directly. This is a fantastic system and is a great benefit to all our patients.”
To find out more about the My Care app or to download visit https://mycare.encompass.hscni.net/mychart/Authentication/Login