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Driving connected care
Driving connected care: Our role in Northern Ireland’s integrated healthcare journey
By Karen Bonnett
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Why integrated care matters
Integrated care is about breaking down silos — ensuring that primary, secondary and community services work together seamlessly. For patients, this means fewer barriers, faster access to care and a more holistic experience. For clinicians, it means better data flow, streamlined processes and the ability to focus on what matters most: patient health.
Northern Ireland is at an exciting stage. Strategic leaders are exploring integrated care neighbourhoods in more depth while GP practices are considering what integrated care and neighbourhoods mean for them. Secondary care providers, however, are leading the charge, helping to set the pace for transformation. This dynamic creates both challenges and opportunities — and we’re here to help navigate both.
Our role in supporting the vision
We see it as a privilege to support Northern Ireland’s healthcare community as you move toward integration. One of the most significant steps in this journey is the rapid and successful rollout of EMIS Web® across all Northern Ireland GP practices.
This transition is more than a technology upgrade — it’s a foundation for connected care."
By enabling better interoperability and data sharing, EMIS Web is helping practices prepare for the future.
But technology alone isn’t enough. Integration requires collaboration across the entire system. That’s why we’re working closely with a major secondary care partner to align efforts and create maximum impact. Together, we’re ensuring that the benefits of integration reach every corner of the healthcare ecosystem.
Northern Ireland digital excellence in primary care
Join colleagues from GP practices across Northern Ireland for a practical, in-person day focused on how digital technology is transforming primary care.
Find out more and register hereLearning, adapting and leading
Northern Ireland’s approach is pragmatic and forward-thinking: replicate what works elsewhere, adapt it to local needs and drive success in your own way. We bring global expertise and proven solutions to support this vision, guiding stakeholders through the complexities of integration while respecting Northern Ireland’s unique requirements.
We’re engaging with executive leaders to shape what integrated care will look like in practice — helping to understand the opportunities, anticipate challenges being brought to the table and plan for sustainable success. This is not just about systems and processes; it’s about creating a healthcare environment where collaboration thrives and patients receive the best possible care.
Looking ahead
The journey toward integrated care is ambitious, but the momentum in Northern Ireland is undeniable. We’re committed to being more than a technology provider — we’re a trusted partner, working hand-in-hand with healthcare leaders to turn vision into reality.
We believe that by combining innovation, collaboration and expertise, we can help Northern Ireland build a connected healthcare system that sets a benchmark for others to follow."
This article was prepared by Karen Bonnett in a personal capacity. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by the author of this piece belong to the author and do not purport to represent the views, thoughts and opinions of Optum.
About the author
Karen Bonnett
Sales Director
Karen leads the customer facing sales team across every care setting and geography Optum UK covers. She drives the team to deliver exceptional support across the full customer journey, from sales and service to responding to high priority customer needs and shaping strategic direction.