In a groundbreaking move, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has introduced the Health Information Bill 2024 in the Dáil. This new legislation aims to bring Ireland’s healthcare system into the digital age, promising easier access to medical records for both patients and healthcare professionals.
The bill paves the way for the creation of digital health records for every person in Ireland. This means you’ll soon be able to view your medical information with just a few taps on your smartphone. No more digging through old files or making countless phone calls to track down your health history.
Minister Donnelly emphasized the transformative nature of this bill, stating, “This will make a huge difference to the quality and effectiveness of our health and social care services.” He also revealed plans to launch a new Patient App later this year and implement a National Shared Care Record in 2025.
The legislation is part of a broader initiative called ‘Digital for Care,’ which aims to modernize Ireland’s healthcare system by 2030. This digital overhaul is expected to improve patient care by allowing doctors and nurses to access up-to-date patient information quickly and easily.
As Ireland moves towards a more connected healthcare system, patients can look forward to better control over their health information and potentially faster, more efficient care. With the Health Information Bill, it seems the future of Irish healthcare is just a click away.