The Department of Health and the HSE have launched the first version of the HSE Health App, a first step in Ireland’s new digital healthcare strategy. Available now for free on the App Store and Google Play, the app is designed to provide secure access to personal health information and improve how people interact with the health service.
Features and Functionality
In its initial phase, the HSE Health App offers several features, including:
- A digital list of self-declared medications and records of medicines received through the Drugs Payment Scheme or Medical Card Scheme.
- Storage for European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), medical card, Long-term Illness (LTI) card, Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card, and GP Visit card.
- Access to flu and COVID-19 vaccination records.
- Information on HSE services such as Emergency Departments and Injury Units.
- Maternity service appointment viewing for expectant mothers.
To access personal health information, users must log in with a verified MyGovID account. Without verification, the app can still be used for general health information and locating HSE services.
The launch would appear to me to be a bit of a mixed bag. I can see the usefulness and necessity of having an app like this, but I do hope the experience and features are improved. For example, I don’t have very much information in the app beyond my Covid vaccination and my European Health Insurance Card.
Yet my freshly renewed EHIC card from December last year isn’t registered in the app, with just my old card that’s expired being shown.
A Step Towards Digital Healthcare
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, highlighted that the app is a key part of Ireland’s push towards digitised patient health records. The aim is to provide patients with easier access to their medical information while also improving the efficiency of healthcare services. Future updates will include appointment notifications and reminders to help patients manage their care.
HSE CEO Bernard Gloster stated that the app is part of a broader digital transformation initiative, leveraging technology to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency. Damien McCallion, HSE Chief Technology and Transformation Officer, emphasised that the app is an evolving project, with new features planned annually.
What’s Next?
The HSE is working on expanding the app’s functionality, with upcoming features including:
- Public hospital appointment notifications and reminders.
- Access to referrals and waiting times.
- Additional self-care information and support services.
I’d love to see the ability to share information from other users so I could keep track of my Mam’s appointments. I’m sure parents would also like to track kids appointments if they have some. This will become available once the National Shared Care Record is rolled out. Then the app will enable people to choose if they want a family member, carer, or trusted person.
Accessibility has also been a focus, with consultations held with disability organisations and patient advocacy groups. The app has been tested for compatibility with assistive technologies and meets HSE and European accessibility standards. Currently, the app is available in English and Irish, but there are additional languages planned for future releases.
For more information, visit the HSE website or download the HSE Health App from the App Store or Google Play.
