The HSE has launched a new Health App which allows patients to carry a list of their current medications, their medical card, European health insurance card, vaccination records and maternity appointments.
In the coming months and years it will allow patients to access their health information and will become the digital front door for patients to navigate and access the health service.
The first release includes functionality that allows people to:
- Carry a digital list of self-declared medications and see a list of medicines received through the Drugs Payment Scheme or Medical Card Scheme.
- Store the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), medical card, Long-term Illness card (LTI), Drugs Payment Scheme card (DPS) and GP Visit card.
- Access ‘flu and COVID-19 vaccination records.
- Easily find information about HSE services, such as Emergency Departments and Injury Units.
- View maternity service appointments (for expectant mothers).
Further planned releases over 2025 will allow people to:
- Access to public hospital and screening appointments information for public patients.
- Check referrals and waiting times information.
- Receive additional self-care information and support services including smoking cessation and chronic disease management.
In 2025, the HSE will seek to:
- Secure Government approval for the national Electronic Health Record (EHR) business case and commence procurement.
- Complete procurement and development of a national digital shared care record
- Begin the Community Connect System project that will support the administration and delivery of services/care within and across community healthcare settings.
- Implement key solutions such as the single national immunisation system, national medical laboratory solution and complete delivery of the National Imaging solution (Radiology).
Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the launch of the new App marked an exciting milestone in the journey to digitise patient health records.
“We can now ensure that every patient is provided with easily accessible health information that is accurate and trustworthy. The phased introduction of appointment notifications and reminders will make it easier for people to manage their care.
“I know the App development team has also consulted with a number of patient organisations so that their needs are incorporated into the design process to ensure the App is patient-centred.”
The HSE is working with colleagues across government to integrate the HSE Health App with the Government Digital Wallet that will be released later this year.”
The HSE said the Health App was built with the highest standards of security and privacy, ensuring that patients’ personal health information was protected, and designed to provide a simple and secure way for them to access some of their personal health information, have control over their health management, access to trusted information sources like HSE Live, and enhanced communication channels.
Anyone aged over 16 can download the app for free from Google Play or the App Store.
People wishing to use the App will need to ensure that they have a MyGov Identification. This is required to ensure that the HSE Health App has the highest level of authentication and security. If people do not have a MyGov Identity, then this can be received at www.mygovid.ie
Bernard Gloster, HSE CEO, said, “There has been much progress made in modernising the data capabilities and digital technologies of our health service in recent years. The launch of the first version of the new HSE Health App represents the next step forward in our digital transformation journey, as we seek to harness the power of data and innovation to help improve access to care for patients and enhance efficiencies across services. Through utilisation and ongoing development of digital tools, such as the new HSE Health App, we see a future where our patients and the people who care for them are empowered and better informed about their care.
“I will continue to ensure that we prioritise providing increased access for patients to their data and to interact with our health services to improve their experiences.”
Damien McCallion, HSE Chief Technology and Transformation Officer said, “Anyone who wishes to, can use the first version of the HSE Health App. It gives people secure access to their COVID-19 and flu vaccination records, digital medications lists, medical cards and EHIC cards, all in one place. Expectant mothers can also view upcoming maternity appointments in the app.
“This is just the beginning – the app is an evolving programme of work, with new services and features planned each year, including expanding the appointment functionality for all public hospital appointments. This is a challenging undertaking but a key priority to deliver for everyone under our care.
“The app is one aspect of the digitisation of the health service and a major priority as we face new challenges and ensure we can provide the health service the country needs and deserves.”
The app development team has consulted with a number of organisations representing disabled people and worked with a Patient Advisory Group to understand the needs of a wide range of people. This has ensured their needs are heard and they are involved in the design process. The app has also been tested with users who rely on assistive technology, and audited to ensure it reaches HSE and European standards for accessibility. Work is ongoing with users of the app to identify and implement improvements so we can add new features and functionality.
Future app features will be guided by ongoing research and engagement with patients, staff, and the public. For now, the HSE Health App is available in English and Irish, and other languages are being explored for future versions.
For more information see www.hse.ie/health-app.
