The former Regional Business Change Lead for Northern Ireland’s encompass programme has been appointed to head the HSE’s Digital Transformation Office. Ms Mel Douglas took up the position last week.

In her previous role, Ms Douglas was involved in the strategic change initiatives required for the adoption of the Epic system across five trusts across Northern Ireland. She holds dual MSc degrees in human resource management (HRM) and business administration and management from Queen’s University Belfast and Nottingham Trent University, respectively. She is also certified in MSP, APMG and Prosci Change Management.

In her new post, Ms Douglas will be responsible for planning and driving digital transformation across the health service, and for leading strategic planning and governance. She will be working with CIO and clinical leads to deliver priority programmes, while also addressing digital literacy and capability in healthcare.

Announcing the appointment, the HSE said: “Mel brings extensive experience in business change, leadership, and large-scale healthcare transformation. Most recently, she served as Regional Business Change Lead leading strategic change initiatives and the successful implementation of the EHR in Northern Ireland.

“She is passionate about ethical leadership, people-centred transformation, and fostering transparent, collaborative organisational cultures that enable better health outcomes through digital innovation.” 

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Douglas said: “I’m excited to lead the Digital Transformation Office and help build a more connected, people-centred health service.”