Public encouraged to download Northern Trust medical record app

An app that allows users to access specific parts of their medical records has now been downloaded by more than 70,000 people in the Northern Trust area, while those that don’t have it are being encouraged to get it.

The ‘My Care’ patient portal gives patients easy and secure access to specific parts of their medical records, such as medications, appointments and some test results online.

Available on both iOS and Android devices, the app helps people stay informed and connected to their care, anytime and anywhere. It was developed as part of the encompass programme which created a digital health record for every citizen in Northern Ireland.

James Nelson, Chief Clinical Information Officer with the Northern Trust, said: “My Care puts patients in greater control of their care. It allows patients to instantly see appointment letters and medication details, while some test results are also available on the app.

“We would encourage anyone who receives their care in the Northern Trust to download the app and avail of its benefits. It is safe and secure, and allows us to communicate with you much faster and more efficiently.

“We are also continuously looking at ways we can use the app to make our overall processes better and more straightforward for our patients. This has included piloting proxy access within our maternity services. This means that when a baby is born within our Trust, their digital care record can be made visible immediately within their parent’s My Care app.”

Proxy access enables a third party, for example a parent, other family member or carer etc. to access the patient’s My Care account. The level of access a proxy has can be determined by the patient (or in some cases the health or social care professional).

Bronagh Gault from Ballyclare, has been using My Care since she was pregnant with her daughter, who was born in November last year.

Mrs Gault said, “Our midwife talked us through the My Care app at our booking appointment and it sounded really convenient so I was happy to download it.

“It has been really straightforward and simple to use from the beginning and it’s been so beneficial. We have a busy house with three kids and My Care has really helped. We haven’t had to wait on appointment letters arriving by post, they are saved in the app along with test results and it means that I haven’t had to keep track of lots of paper letters, or if I needed to double check something, it is all saved in the one place, right there on my phone.

“I was glad that the process was automatically in place for proxy access, as it has been so useful and it’s one less thing to do after having a baby!”

Iain Shields from Newtownabbey, also has My Care proxy access for his daughter. Mr Shields said:

“It transforms our ability to access healthcare. It’s all in one place, it’s simple - you understand what you need to do in terms of appointments. You get clinical letters and results faster and it gives you peace of mind.

“Proxy access is a game changer for us, it really does help. It lets you plan and understand what needs to happen for the relative that you’re supporting.

“Of course, you need to get the right permissions for proxy access but it feels safe and controlled. For my daughter, the clinician had to approve access and sought her permission to ensure that it was acceptable.

“I think it gives my daughter a level of reassurance that we both have the same information and that we aren’t both going to miss an appointment or miss something else important.”

The My Care app can be downloaded by searching for “MyChart” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. After installation, users can choose the HSC logo from the drop-down menu. You will then be asked to sign in to nidirect.

For more information, visit NI Direct: View your medical records online using My Care | nidirect