AI is enhancing healthcare for staff and patients, says Dell boss

Dell Technologies Ireland is working with the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) on an advanced AI platform, enhancing research in healthcare and other areas

Mark Hopkins, general manager, Dell Technologies Ireland.

Health workers and patients are already seeing tangible impacts from the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the Irish healthcare system, says one tech sector leader.

Mark Hopkins, general manager, Dell Technologies Ireland, says the Irish healthcare system is facing mounting operational and financial pressures and is in urgent need of smarter, more scalable solutions.

Ireland is investing heavily in enhancing the healthcare system, notably since the 2017 launch of the Sláintecare programme. New technology, including AI, will be part of the State’s future investment in healthcare.

Dublin's Mater Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Ireland to use AI in its medical imaging to diagnose diseases and guide treatment within its radiology department. For the past year, AI is allowing doctors at the Mater to rapidly analyse bone x-rays, head scans and chest scans.

Meanwhile, Dell Technologies Ireland is working with the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in developing an advanced AI platform at its software research institute, enhancing research in healthcare, among other areas.

In this Q&A interview, Dell’s Mark Hopkins outlines some of the ways that AI is already transforming Ireland’s health sector, enhancing how care is delivered, how clinicians work, and how patients experience their healthcare journey.

In what ways is AI changing the lives of workers and patients in Irish healthcare? 

"As Ireland’s population exceeds 5 million for the first time in 171 years, nearly one-third of adults living with at least one chronic condition. AI and Generative AI (GenAI) are emerging as powerful tools to meet these challenges.

"From automating administrative tasks to enabling precision diagnostics and personalised treatment plans, AI is already making a tangible impact. GenAI, in particular, is unlocking new value from unstructured data such as doctors’ notes, diagnostic images, emails, and more — helping healthcare providers streamline operations, enhance clinical decision-making, and improve patient engagement.

"But to fully realise these benefits, organisations must invest in the right infrastructure, data strategy, and governance frameworks.

"At Dell Technologies, we are at the forefront of this healthcare revolution. By working closely with healthcare and academic institutions across Ireland, we’re helping to bring the latest innovations into real-world practice." 

How is AI already driving innovation in Irish healthcare? 

"Dell Technologies is working with the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) to power an advanced AI platform at its software research institute. Built on Dell PowerEdge servers, the platform supports researchers with real-time analysis of large, complex datasets — enabling advanced research across cybersecurity, healthcare, sustainability, and robotics, and boosting productivity by up to 50%.

"The new AI platform also supports several cutting-edge research projects undertaken by TUS and funded by Horizon Europe, the EU’s key programme for research and innovation.

"It enables the development of AI-powered tools such as LLM-based chatbots for elderly care and robotics using imitation learning. With its cyber-resilient architecture and scalable design, the Dell-powered infrastructure is helping TUS researchers simulate complex scenarios, identify vulnerabilities, and accelerate innovation across critical sectors."  

Will giving medical staff instant access to electronic health records lead to better future health outcomes for patients? 

"While Dell works closely with organisations across Ireland to unlock the power of AI to drive healthcare innovation, there is much to learn from successful digital health initiatives elsewhere on this island.

"Designed to create a single electronic health and social care record for every citizen, Encompass is a perfect example of how streamline care is delivered across all five Health and Social Care Trusts. By replacing outdated paper systems with a unified digital infrastructure, the programme is improving care coordination, enhancing patient safety, and enabling real-time access to critical health information — both in clinical settings and in the community.

"For Ireland, Encompass reflects the kind of integrated, data-driven approach that can serve as a blueprint for its own digital health ambitions, particularly as the roll-out of electronic health records progresses." 

Will medical staff need ongoing training to boost their digital skills? 

"Technology alone cannot transform healthcare; people are at the heart of innovation. As AI and other digital tools become more common, healthcare professionals need the skills and confidence to use them effectively.

"From interpreting AI-driven diagnostics to applying predictive analytics in care planning, clinicians, nurses, and administrators must be equipped with both technical knowledge and digital literacy.

"Investing in training and upskilling is essential not only to maximise the impact of AI but also to ensure that patient care remains safe, ethical, and person-centred. A digitally capable workforce allows healthcare organisations to turn advanced insights into better clinical decisions, more efficient operations, and more personalised care experiences.

"To support this, Dell Technologies previously rolled out the ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ series, which provided healthcare staff across the HSE and its partner ecosystem with insights into connected health, emerging technologies, next-generation diagnostics, and the transformation of primary care management — all while emphasising the protection of patient data." 

How will protecting the privacy of patients’ personal data be built into these new tech infrastructures?

"As we look to the future, scaling AI and GenAI in healthcare requires more than just technological ambition and know-how; it demands strategic intent and responsible implementation. Healthcare leaders across Ireland must begin with clear objectives, whether that’s improving patient outcomes, reducing administrative burden, or enhancing operational efficiency. Achieving these goals depends on investing in secure, scalable infrastructure that supports AI across the core, edge, and cloud.

"Equally critical is strong governance. Ensuring the ethical use of patient data, maintaining regulatory compliance, and fostering transparency in AI decision-making are essential to building trust and long-term success.

"At Dell Technologies, we work closely with healthcare providers to co-design solutions that align with clinical priorities and deliver measurable impact. From personalised care to predictive analytics, we’re helping to shape a future where technology empowers clinicians and improves lives. 

"The future of healthcare is not just about treating illness; it’s about predicting and preventing it. With AI and GenAI, we can move from reactive to proactive care, tailoring treatments to each individual’s genetic profile and health history.

"This is no longer a distant vision — it’s already taking shape. By combining cutting-edge technology with deep healthcare partnerships in Ireland, we aim to deliver a brighter, more personalised future for every patient."