The Health Service Executive (HSE) is about to begin procurement of a national electronic health record (EHR), to deliver an integrated digital health record for every patient in Ireland.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Currently, Ireland\u2019s patient records are fragmented and largely paper-based, meaning that clinicians often lack access to real-time data and patients cannot easily access their own health information.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The EHR is intended to improve safety, reduce duplication, and better coordinated care across hospitals, GPs, and community services.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, health minister, said: \u201cThis is a landmark step in delivering a modern, connected health service that puts patients first.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe National Electronic Health Record programme will be central to patients receiving safer, faster, and more integrated care, supporting clinicians and improving outcomes for everyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cElectronic health records for patients was identified by Sl\u00e1intecare as a key enabler for the reform and modernisation of the Irish health service and will ensure Ireland meets the highest international standards for patient safety and data security.\u201d<\/p>\n
The HSE will begin the vendor shortlisting process for the national EHR, with a phased rollout across all health regions following completion of the tender process.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bernard Gloster, chief executive at HSE, said: \u201cThe national EHR is central to our vision for a digitally enabled health service.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will transform how care is delivered by giving clinicians the tools they need to provide timely, coordinated care and empowering patients with access to their own health information.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis investment represents a seminal change in how our healthcare services will interact with patients long into the future.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe benefits from an EHR system are many and impact on access, safety, quality of outcome and patient power.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, more than 900,000 patients in Ireland are now able to view their appointments in the HSE Health App<\/a>.<\/p>\n