Controversy Over 'Derry' vs 'Londonderry' Addresses in Digital Patient Records in Northern Ireland

Users of a sophisticated new digital patient record system appear to be unable to enter Derry as their address, and must select Londonderry instead, it has emerged. The problem has been described as a possible "oversight" that's likely a result of "teething problems" with the rollout of the new system by one local MLA, who said he would raise the issue with theHealth Minister Mike Nesbitt.

Controversy erupts
The new 'encompass' patient record system is now live acrossall health Trusts in Northern Ireland,and is designed to allow for a single digital care record for every citizen in Northern Ireland. It means patients are now able to access their health information online via a dedicated patient portal, which is available via app or webpage. But several patients from the Western Trust area have raised concerns with after discovering they have been unable to enter their preferred Derry into the system, having said they have been forced instead to use Londonderry.

Call for action
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said he intends to bring the issue to the attention of the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. "This system is just in," he stressed. "I'm certainly intending to raise the issue with the Health Minister as to how it can be rectified. The system itself is bound to be plagued with some teething problems. It's a massive change involving a massive number of staff, and an even bigger number of patients. Obviously, a lot of work has gone into its design, preparation and roll-out. This, in my view, is an oversight and it's one that I think should be addressed." The Department of Health has been invited to comment.