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SCS CMS Team And Virtual Ward Programme Recognised At The Irish Healthcare And The National Health Tech Innovation Awards

SCS-CMS Team and Virtual Ward Programme Recognised at the Irish Healthcare and the National Health Tech Innovation Awards


HSE Technology and Transformation is delighted that our SCS-CMS (Specialist Clinical Services Clinical Management System) team have been shortlisted for the Irish Healthcare and the National Health Tech Innovation awards. While the programme was delivered during the development of the Digital for Care strategy, it is a key building block for the digitisation of services. The programme was delivered as a partnership between the services in the National Forensic Hospital, the National Rehabilitation Hospital and Technology and Transformation team led by Delivery Director Mary Cooke.

The SCS-CMS project has been recognised in the Irish Healthcare Awards 2024, where it has been shortlisted in four key categories:

  • Best Use of Information Technology
  • Excellence in Healthcare Management
  • Hospital Project of the Year
  • Innovation in Healthcare and Medicine 

This project is a pivotal part of our Digital for Care transformation strategy, transitioning specialist services from paper-based systems to fully electronic records. Through these advancements, patient management has been streamlined, information is now more accurate and accessible, and patient care is enhanced across Ireland. This nomination also highlights the dedication of all the teams associated with the implementation who have consistently delivered impactful results and previously received significant recognition for their contributions. Further acknowledging the project's influence, the SCS-CMS has also been nominated for Most Transformative Use of IT in the National Health Tech Innovation Awards.

Alongside this, we extend congratulations to our colleagues in Telehealth, Julie Bellew and her team, whose collaboration with St. Vincent’s Hospital on the National Virtual Ward Programme has also been shortlisted for Hospital Project of the Year. This programme demonstrates the HSE’s commitment to leveraging virtual health solutions to enhance patient care and outcomes, marking a significant step in integrating technology within community and hospital settings.

These initiatives are just two of the many initiatives which are part of the HSE’s Digital for Care 2030 implementation plan. The implementation of the plan is focused on embedding digital technologies systematically across healthcare services to improve patient care, patient safety, patient accessibility, and operational efficiency. The Digital for Care 2030 vision is one of a seamlessly integrated digital support system that empowers clinical teams and patients alike, ensuring that quality care is delivered at the right time and place.

These recognitions affirms the HSE’s dedication to innovative, patient-centred healthcare and underscores the progress made in digital transformation.

Damien McCallion, Chief Technology Transformation Officer, stated, “We are thrilled to see these projects recognised for the innovative strides they bring to healthcare. The SCS-CMS project and the National Virtual Ward Programme highlight our dedication to leveraging digital solutions to provide better, more accessible patient care across Ireland as part of our Digital for Care programme of work. Being shortlisted is a testament to the incredible work and commitment of our teams in driving forward our vision for a digitally enabled healthcare system.”

Fran Thompson, Chief Information Officer, added, "These projects underscore the HSE’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through strategic use of technology. The SCSCMS initiative and the Virtual Ward Programme are at the forefront of our mission to transform patient care. Recognition in these categories is a strong affirmation of our teams’ efforts to integrate cutting-edge solutions into the HSE's framework and to support clinicians in providing effective, patient centred care."

Mary Cooke, Delivery Director of Community Care, commented, “It is inspiring to see the SCS-CMS and Virtual Ward Programme teams receive this well-deserved recognition. These projects not only demonstrate our commitment to bringing specialist services into the digital age but also showcase our dedication to supporting patients within the community. I’m incredibly proud of our teams’ work and collaboration, which are essential to delivering on our mission of providing accessible, quality care for all.”

These accomplishments highlight the HSE’s ongoing commitment to harnessing digital transformation for better patient outcomes and accessible, high-quality healthcare across Ireland.