A manager who championed the use of technology to support independent living has retired from the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust after 43 years in the sector.

Robert Moore, the Trust’s Technology Enabled Care Manager, completed his final day after a career that began in nursing at the Ulster Hospital in 1983.

His work focused on integrating telehealth and telecare services to help patients manage conditions at home while maintaining compassionate care.

Moore said that while technology can play a valuable role in healthcare delivery, it is not a complete solution and cannot replace the empathy provided by care staff.

He also reflected on leading community specialist nursing teams, describing the work as a privilege and praising the professionalism of those colleagues.

Dr Ruth Gray, the Trust’s Assistant Director of Quality and Innovation, stated that Moore’s combination of nursing experience and innovation had shaped the service, ensuring technology enhances rather than replaces human interaction.

Moore’s retirement marks the end of a career that spanned four decades of nursing and leadership across both public and voluntary sectors.