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Press release

Minister Carroll MacNeill launches the new HSE Health App

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has today announced the launch of the new Health Service Executive (HSE) Health App. This innovative tool empowers patients by providing easy access to their health information and will become the digital front door for patients in the coming months and years to navigate and access the health service.

Minister Carroll MacNeill 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.

“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.

"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 Health App is built with the highest standards of security and privacy, ensuring that patients' personal health information is protected, and designed to provide a simple and secure way for patients to secure some of their personal health information, have control over their health management, access to trusted information sources like HSE Live, and enhanced communication channels.

From today, anyone aged over 16 can download the app for free from Google Play or the App Store, however first phase functionality will be most useful for expectant mothers.

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 your 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 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

People 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 on the MyGovID website.

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 go to the HSE website.

Notes

Support and accessibility

HSE Live is there to provide support to people if they need it when using the app.

If people don’t want to or can’t use the app, they can still access services and healthcare in the usual way and we continue to work with a wide range of voluntary organisations, advocacy groups and disabled people’s organisations to make the app inclusive and useful for as many people as possible.

Once the National Shared Care Record is rolled out the app will enable people to choose if they want a family member, carer, or trusted person to help them manage their healthcare through the app.

Data security, GDPR, MyGovID

The HSE takes protection of patient information and GDPR very seriously. Access to health information is provided using MyGovID.

MyGovID is used to access a huge range of government services in Ireland.

To get access to your personal health information (such as COVID-19/’flu vaccination record, scheme cards, or hospital appointments), you will be asked to log in to the app with your verified MyGovID. This is important to make sure that access to your personal information is secure.

More information on MyGovID can be found on the MyGovID website.

The HSE Health App has been developed with a Security by Design approach. A number of security assessments have been undertaken in relation to HSE Health App with external security partners with ongoing testing and monitoring. The development team continues to ensure security is at the heart of all design decisions in relation to the app.

Digital for Care

Better use of digital innovation is a critical part of the delivery of the modern health and social care response to the changing needs of patients and their families.

As part of driving Digital for Care, the government’s digital strategy for Ireland’s health services to 2030, the HSE will use digital technology and data to improve our population’s health and wellbeing.

Healthcare staff will be provided with modern digital tools to deliver better, safer care. Digital innovation and solutions will be used to promote self-care, lifestyle choices, assist with the prevention and treatment of disease and provide a more accurate diagnosis. Clinicians and carers will be enabled to share information safely so they can provide high quality, connected care and services, which are better coordinated around their patients’ needs.

In 2025, we 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)

Cork University Maternity Hospital Pilot

Many thanks to the patients, staff, and advocacy organisations; the co-creators of the new app who have been active partners throughout the process. Last year the app was piloted in Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) and was met positively by both patients and staff. This helped us gather valuable user feedback to improve the app, and ensure it is easy to use and accessible.

Claire O'Halloran, Assistant Director of Midwifery, Cork University Maternity Hospital, said:

“I got involved in the pilot as Assistant Director of Midwifery at CUMH. What I really liked about the app was how it gave women direct access to their own healthcare information in a way that was clear, simple, and easy to understand. Expectant mothers at CUMH could track their appointments and get updates about their pregnancy journey, which enabled them to take an active role in their care. I believe it will also improve communication between patients and staff - if women feel more informed and confident, it will make our conversations more productive."

Líosa Horgan, mother to Jude (10 weeks) and Archie (2 and a half), feels the new app will be both helpful from a mother’s and healthcare professional’s perspective:

“I was around 25/26 weeks pregnant with Jude when I got an email about the app research. I think the appointments tab was the thing I used most. I was going to my maternity appointments and physio appointment as well. It was handy to have it all in one place and keep on top of it all. I also work as an occupational therapist in primary care, in Cork, I understand parents are so busy. The app alerts and reminders will save time from an administration perspective.

“I see no negatives to using the app, it’s a good add on to maternity services. When you are expecting your second or third child especially it can be busy and its handy to have a one stop shop of appointments and information. Everything in one place from the HSE, a good and verified source.”

Helene Troissant, mother to Aaron (3) and Ella (2 months) shares her experiences of using the HSE Health App during her second pregnancy at Cork University Maternity Hospital:

“Initially I got a letter from the HSE inviting me to take part in research for the HSE Health App. I was just four months into my second pregnancy, and thought this is really good, I could have used this for my first!

“I found it really useful. It kept all my appointments in one place too. So, if you lose your appointment card it’s not a problem everything is written down on the app. I also had a list of medicine I was taking, which was handy as I can never remember them. Data security and privacy is very important to me as I work in this area in the technology industry. The app to me felt very secure, you access through a fingerprint and through your MyGov ID.”

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