Dr Shelley Black leads the way for optometry services encompass preparation
March 12, 2024
Optometry Dept colleagues from Belfast and SE Trust
As Belfast Trust counts down to the launch of encompass on 6th June 2024. There is still a huge amount of preparatory work to be done across all departments.
NI Clinical Research Network, Research Optometrist, Dr Shelley Black has taken on the task of leading BHSCT Optometry though the encompass transformation. I asked Shelley how she came to be the encompass Optometry Transformation Lead,
“I thought it would be a really interesting, worthwhile and monumental project to be involved in from both the Optometry and Research point of view. The post has provided me with the opportunity to collaborate and problem solve with other healthcare professions. Whilst there are challenges I find the role a really exciting one to be in”.
Dr Shelley Black
In preparation for encompass Shelley set-up encompass information sessions as part of a CPD training day for the Optometry Department in the King Edward Building Boardroom. Some SE Trust colleagues were able to share their personal experience of using encompass and gave tips on the system, having launched last year. Topics for the sessions included: Optometry Services: Where are we now? encompass: What is the point? And encompass: Lessons learned from SET and moving forward.
Shelley said, “Its important optometrists are involved and aware of the journey ahead and how it will affect their daily practice. On our CPD training day on Friday I informed the team of why encompass was coming, the benefits for not only us as clinicians but for our patients and the training and support that they will be given prior, during and after GoLive”.
A representative from encompass, provided drop in sessions over lunch to demonstrate the system to those who have yet to see it. The day was supported by the Head of Optometry Services and NI Clinical Research Director Professor Jonathan Jackson and Deputy Heads, Miss Jenny Lindsay and Dr Joanne Logan. It was an extremely successful and engaging day, allowing colleagues to have an opportunity to get together face to face as a group and prepare for the exciting future of encompass.
Prof Jonathan Jackson
For more information on encompass please visit: