Ireland has taken a major step toward digitising its healthcare system after the government approved the next phase of procurement for a National Electronic Health Record (EHR). The decision allows the Health Service Executive (HSE) to begin shortlisting technology vendors for what is expected to become the largest digital transformation project in the history of Ireland’s health service.
The system aims to create one secure, integrated digital health record for every patient in the country, enabling healthcare professionals to access accurate patient information across hospitals, general practitioners, and community services.
The approval follows the completion of a preliminary business case and independent external assurance processes confirming that the project complies with the state’s infrastructure guidelines.
A shift away from fragmented records
Currently, many patient records in Ireland remain fragmented or paper-based. This can make it difficult for clinicians to access real-time information and for patients to view their own health data.
The new national system is intended to address these gaps by allowing patient information to move with the patient across different parts of the healthcare system. Supporters of the project say this could help reduce duplication of tests, improve patient safety and ease administrative workloads for healthcare professionals.
Ireland’s Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, described the government decision as a turning point in modernising the country’s healthcare system.
“This is a landmark step in delivering a modern, connected health service that puts patients first. The National Electronic Health Record programme will be central to patients receiving safer, faster, and more integrated care, supporting clinicians and improving outcomes for everyone,” she said.
She also noted that electronic health records were identified as a key element of Sláintecare, the national strategy for reforming Ireland’s healthcare system.
Digital health seen as key to future care
Irish authorities say the move toward a national digital record system is also a response to broader pressures facing the healthcare system, including an ageing population and rising demand for complex medical care.
Health digitalisation is a key priority. This programme has the potential to positively transform delivery of health care services for patients and healthcare workers
Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers
According to the HSE, better use of digital tools could improve access to care, reduce risks linked to incomplete information and help ensure long-term sustainability of the health system.
Building on existing digital projects
The national EHR initiative builds on several digital health programmes already underway in Ireland.
One of them is the HSE Health App, which has recorded more than 200,000 downloads and over 122,000 registered users since its launch last year. The app allows patients to access appointments and certain health information online.
Digital maternity records have also been introduced through the Maternal and Newborn Clinical Management System, which is now used in five major maternity hospitals. As a result, around 70% of babies born in Ireland now have a digital health record at birth.
Other initiatives include the National Shared Care Record, which aims to connect patient data across services, and the expansion of virtual wards, allowing some patients to receive hospital-level care at home.
Legal framework for health data
The national electronic record programme will be supported by Ireland’s proposed Health Information Bill, which is currently progressing through parliament. The legislation is designed to provide a legal framework for secure sharing of health information across the health system while protecting patient privacy.
Authorities say the law will also help Ireland align with several European regulatory frameworks, including the European Health Data Space, the EU Data Act and the NIS2 cybersecurity directive.
Next steps
Following the government decision, the HSE will begin the vendor shortlisting process for the national system. After the procurement phase is completed, the electronic health record platform is expected to be rolled out gradually across Ireland’s health regions.
If implemented successfully, the project could reshape how patient information is managed across the country’s healthcare system and how patients themselves interact with their health data.
