A MAJOR shake-up in accessing healthcare is on the cards with the launch of a new HSE app.
The Department of Health along with the HSE today released the HSE Health App.
The first phase is now in motion as part of one of the first initiatives in Digital For Care, Ireland’s health and social care digital framework.
Anyone aged 16 and over can download the app and must use their MyGov account to sign in.
The app will provide multiple services, but bosses said it will most likely serve expectant mothers most of all.
The first phase of the app rollout allows users to see a list of self-declared medications, as well as a list of medicines received through the Drugs Payment Scheme or Medical Card Scheme.
It also allows them to store European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC), medical cards, Long-term Illness card (LTI), Drugs Payment Scheme cards (DPS) and GP Visit cards.
The app also accesses flu and COVID-19 vaccination records and allows users to easily find information about HSE services, such as EDs and Injury Units.
More uses are expected to be added in the future including referral times and waiting lists as well as access to public hospital and screening appointments.
And the major bonus for expectant mothers is that they can view maternity service appointments through the app.
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, said, “Today marks an exciting milestone in our journey to digitise patient health records with the public launch of the first version of our new HSE Health App.
“This App is an exciting milestone where we begin to give patients digital access to their own health information and will make it easier for everyone to navigate the health service.
‘ACCURATE AND TRUSTWORTHY’
“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 have 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.”
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.
‘NEXT STEP FORWARD’
“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.”
