The Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre is a new regional innovation centre, which aims to ensure better health outcomes for the population through the consistent delivery of best practice relating to the use of medicines. Much has been done in recent years to improve the way medicines are used and Northern Ireland is now recognised as one of the leading regions in Europe in addressing the health and social care needs of the older population through innovation in medicines optimisation. However, it was felt that more action is needed to gain the best outcomes for patients from their medicines and to ensure clinical effectiveness, whilst both reducing avoidable adverse events and waste. Speaking at the launch of the Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre, Richard Pengelly, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety said: ‘Our growing and ageing population, along with an increasing prevalence of chronic illness and unhealthy lifestyles, has placed an unprecedented burden on services, as well as a high demand for medicines. But there is a clear vision for the HSC in Northern Ireland. We are redesigning our HSC services to better meet the needs of the individual, improve public health and social wellbeing, improve quality and safety and ensure value. We must be innovative about the way we work across the HSC and it is vital that we look at how new models of care and technologies can be used to help people to manage their own health. Through research, innovation, quality improvement and knowledge transfer, the MOIC will support better patient outcomes by developing and sharing best practice with regards to medicines use. This work is invaluable and will contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of people not only in Northern Ireland, but throughout the UK and across Europe.’
