Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
1155. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the means by which the development of electronic patient records will ensure that diagnoses and treatments from private hospitals are included, so patients' medical histories are complete, and continuity of care is not compromised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64022/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of electronic health records (EHRs) is a cornerstone of Ireland’s Digital for Care strategy and essential to delivering integrated, safer, and community-centred care under Sláintecare. A core objective is that patient information follows the person, regardless of where care is delivered.
To ensure that diagnoses and treatments from private hospitals are incorporated into each person's digital health record, we are deploying the National Shared Care Record technology platform nationwide on a phased basis from 2026 to 2027. This will be supported by internationally recognised interoperability standards to enable seamless data exchange and by alignment with European Health Data Space requirements to guarantee secure, standardised sharing across all care settings.
This work will be underpinned by the forthcoming Health Information Bill, which provides the legal basis for sharing specified categories of health information. This is further strengthened by substantial investment already made in advanced site-specific and regional EHR systems, which lay the foundation for integrated digital care.
