Hospital Consultants support Minister Donnelly’s call for digital health investment

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has supported the Minister for Health’s call to roll out digital health records across the health service.  
 
Commenting on a report today that the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD is making the case at Cabinet level to use funding from the Apple ruling to invest in digital health, IHCA President, Professor Gabrielle Colleran said: 
 
“We fully endorse Minister Donnelly’s efforts to invest in a proper digital health system. In productivity and patient experience terms, it would be transformational.  
 
“Our health system continues to rely on an antiquated records model which is desperately inefficient. It also means healthcare professionals are unable to access and assess patient records in a joined-up, real time fashion.  
 
“Clipboards, paper, pens, pencils and fax machines remain realities in Irish hospitals. IT hardware and software are dated and, in some instances, WiFi is not a given. This is at a time when governments around the world are turning their attention to how generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform health systems, improving patient outcomes and overall productivity. The gap from where we are to where we need to be is stark.  
 
“Digital health records are increasingly the norm globally, enhancing productivity, healthcare outcomes, and service experience for citizens.  
 
“Previous attempts to introduce digital health systems here have been thwarted. Such short-sightedness has proven to be counterproductive.  
 
“Now is the moment to move on digital health records. We have the means. We need the leadership and Minister Donnelly is to be commended to staking a claim for this investment.” 
 
ENDS 

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