Minister Announces Launch of HSE Health App to Digitise Patient Health Records
The new HSE Health App is now available, giving patients secure access to health info, appointments, and more. Download now on Google Play and the App Store.
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, has announced the launch of the new HSE Health App, marking a significant step towards digitalising patient health records in Ireland. The app, designed as a "digital front door" to healthcare services, will allow patients to access their health information, manage appointments, and receive trusted health updates.
Empowering Patients with Digital Access
Speaking about the launch, Minister Carroll MacNeill highlighted the app’s role in improving patient access to personal health information:
"Today marks an exciting milestone in our journey to digitise patient health records with the public launch of the first version of our new HSE Health App. This app is an exciting milestone where we begin to give patients digital access to their own health information and will make it easier for everyone to navigate the health service."
She also noted that the app will integrate with the upcoming Government Digital Wallet, further streamlining access to healthcare services.
What Does the App Offer?
From today, anyone over the age of 16 can download the HSE Health App for free on Google Play or the App Store. The first phase of the app is particularly beneficial for expectant mothers, offering access to maternity service appointments and pregnancy-related health information.
Other key features include:
✔️ A digital list of self-declared medications and prescribed medicines under the Drugs Payment Scheme or Medical Card Scheme
✔️ Secure storage of EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), Medical Card, GP Visit Card, and Long-Term Illness (LTI) Card
✔️ Access to COVID-19 and flu vaccination records
✔️ Easy access to HSE services, including Emergency Departments (EDs) and Injury Units
Future Expansions in 2025
Planned updates to the app will include:
🔹 Access to public hospital and screening appointment information for public patients
🔹 Referral and waiting time details
🔹 Enhanced self-care support, including tools for smoking cessation and chronic disease management
Security and Accessibility
The HSE Health App has been developed with a Security by Design approach, ensuring the highest standards of data protection and compliance with GDPR regulations. Patients must have a verified MyGovID to securely access their personal health information.
Bernard Gloster, HSE CEO, emphasised the importance of digital transformation in healthcare:
"The launch of the first version of the new HSE Health App represents the next step forward in our digital transformation journey, as we seek to harness the power of data and innovation to help improve access to care for patients and enhance efficiencies across services."
Pilot Success at Cork University Maternity Hospital
Before its national rollout, the app was successfully piloted at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH). Feedback from patients and healthcare staff helped shape its development.
Claire O’Halloran, Assistant Director of Midwifery at CUMH, praised the app’s usability:
"What I really liked about the app was how it gave women direct access to their own healthcare information in a way that was clear, simple, and easy to understand. Expectant mothers at CUMH could track their appointments and get updates about their pregnancy journey, which enabled them to take an active role in their care."
Líosa Horgan, a mother and healthcare professional, found the app particularly useful for managing multiple maternity and physiotherapy appointments:
"The app alerts and reminders will save time from an administration perspective. I see no negatives to using the app; it’s a great addition to maternity services."
How to Download and Access the App
📱 The HSE Health App is now available for download on Google Play and the App Store.
🔑 A verified MyGovID is required to access personal health data within the app.
🔎 More details can be found at www.hse.ie/health-app.
For those who prefer traditional services, HSE Live will continue providing support, ensuring accessibility for all patients.
