Government developing proposals to digitise health records

Government proposals to digitise health records would allow doctors and nurses to access information about their patients more easily.

The Government is set to develop a national patient app with proposals to digitise health records.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will on Tuesday seek Cabinet approval for a new Digital Framework to connect ICT systems and data in the health service.

However, delivery of such proposals by the HSE will depend on a number of factors, including whether or not dedicated funding and resources are allocated by the Government.

The proposals before ministers today would allow doctors and nurses to access information about their patients more easily.

In particular, the framework will include the development of a patient app, the ending of a community health-based record system for the Enhanced Community Care Programme alongside the conclusion of procurement for the National Shared Care Record (NSCR).

This NSCR will allow doctors and nurses to access information about patients, including their current medications, allergies, and other clinical documents. It will also allow for continuity of care when patients are discharged from hospital.

Individual patients will also be able to access their own healthcare records through the NSCR.

The full framework is set to be published later on Tuesday and the HSE is due to provide a roadmap for its implementation.

Investment in digital health records was initially promised in the 2020 Programme for Government, alongside a call for digitisation in the cross-party Sláintecare report.

Dart project

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan is due to bring forward proposals to allow the Dart+ Coastal North project to enter the planning system.

This Dart extension would see the rail line extended by 37km to Drogheda, Co Louth. At present, the Dart line runs from Greystones to Malahide.

Furthering the line to Drogheda would also allow for commuters in Clongriffin, Donabate, Balbriggan, and Skerries to access Dart trains.

If approved by Cabinet, the project is expected to be submitted to An Bord Pleanála for consideration by July. Once approved, it is estimated that it will take three years for works on electrification to be completed.

The expansion of the Dart line would almost double the existing passenger capacity at peak times, from 4,800 to 8,800.

The northern Dart route is among a series of Dart+ projects as part of plans to increase the total length of the rail network from 53km to 150km.