Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced a £42 million ePharmacy Primary Care Digital Reform Programme that will end paper prescriptions across Northern Ireland.

The electronic prescription transfer system will send prescriptions directly from GPs and Out of Hours services to community pharmacies. A new digital platform will also manage clinical services delivered through community pharmacies.

Nesbitt said over 45 million items are prescribed and dispensed annually in primary care. The system is intended to improve patient safety, reduce delays, improve accuracy and support a Neighbourhood model of care.

A separate £59.2 million package was announced for the Together for Families programme, which includes £29.2 million in transformation funding and a £30 million commitment from The National Lottery Community Fund.

The programme aims to provide earlier intervention and family support before problems reach crisis point. It forms part of the Children's Social Care Services Reform Programme and involves statutory agencies, voluntary organisations and community groups.

Nesbitt described the scheme as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve outcomes for children and families. Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said the investment targets support through trusted community organisations before challenges escalate.

An additional £16 million was allocated to the Department for Communities for a Pathway to Work and Wellbeing programme focused on employment support for people with ill health or disabilities.