Dáil Question on the introduction of online patient records

To ask the Minister for Health if he will advise on the possibility of introducing an online database of patients records to be made accessible to all medical professionals within the Health Service Executive; the data sharing databases that are in place currently throughout the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Reply Minister for Health James Reilly T.D.

The concept of an EHR (Electronic Health Record) that enables patient information to be stored, accessed and shared in a secure environment by patients and authorised health providers is widely held to be a key enabler for a more efficient health systems delivery model. Such systems are critical for the support of patient safety and improved quality of care. The development of EHRs within the HSE and on a national basis poses considerable challenges but I am confident that the introduction of hospital groups will allow the health service to progress access to enhanced patient information systems between hospitals within the group structures.

There are a number of examples of systems in place currently which allow the sharing of data at local, regional and national level. These would include NIMIS (National Integrated Medical Imaging System),   the Primary Care Re-Imbursement Service (PCRS) prescriptions database, the financial Information Management Reports (IMR) reporting data warehouse and the Endoscopy Reporting system (currently being implemented). In addition, there is a national messaging solution which allows data to be shared between various entities within the wider health sector.

My Department is currently developing an eHealth strategy that will outline the core building blocks required to develop the optimum environment to support the development of information systems required to enhance patient care, connected health, efficiency and reform. It is working closely with the HSE and HIQA in developing the necessary supporting infrastructure and information standards. The legislative environment required to underpin the governance for health information systems including EHR’s will be provided for in the Health Information Bill to be published before the end of this year.