The Government has granted approval for the HSE to begin the procurement phase for a national electronic health record (EHR), it has been announced.
The approval follows completion of the preliminary business case and independent external assurance processes, confirming compliance with the State’s infrastructure guidelines.
The national EHR will be the largest digital transformation project in the history of the health service, delivering one integrated digital health record for every patient in Ireland.
The project aims to ensure clinicians have more timely access to accurate information, improving safety, reducing duplication, and enabling care that is better coordinated across hospitals, GPs, and community services.
In a statement announcing the approval, the Department of Health said patients will also benefit from greater access to their own health information, empowering them to manage their care more effectively.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: “This is a landmark step in delivering a modern, connected health service that puts patients first. The national electronic health record programme will be central to patients receiving safer, faster, and more integrated care, supporting clinicians and improving outcomes for everyone.”
“Electronic health records for patients were identified by Sláintecare 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.”
Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers said: “Health digitalisation is a key priority. This programme has the potential to positively transform delivery of healthcare services for patients and healthcare workers. This is another example of the Government’s commitment to digitalisation and to delivering key public infrastructure faster and more cost-effectively in the interest of people and communities.”
HSE CEO Mr Bernard Gloster added: “The national EHR is central to our vision for a digitally enabled health service. It 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.”
“This investment represents a seminal change in how our healthcare services will interact with patients long into the future. The benefits from an EHR system are many and impact on access, safety, quality of outcome and patient power. The impact of this decision by the Minister and Government will be visible for many years to come.”
The HSE will commence the vendor shortlisting process for the national EHR, with a phased rollout across all health regions following completion of the tender process.
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