The Health Service Executive (HSE) Health App has been launched in Ireland, offering patients a “digital front door” to health services. The public launch has been welcomed by the Minister for Health as “an exciting milestone” in the journey to digitise patient health records and to “make it easier for everyone to navigate the health service”.
The first phase introduces functionality including the ability to view maternity service appointments, to create and carry a “digital list of self-declared medications” and medications received through the Drugs Payment Scheme or Medical Card Scheme, to store European Health Insurance Card information, and to access flu and COVID-19 vaccination records.
Over the course of 2025, further functionality is set to be introduced, with plans for patients to gain access to public hospital and screening appointment information, to check referrals and waiting time information, and to receive self-care information and support such as smoking cessation or chronic disease management.
The announcement shares that the app development team consulted with a number of patient advisory groups to ensure differing needs are met in the design process, as well the app has also reportedly been tested with users who rely on assistive technology.
HSE chief technology and transformation officer Damien McCallion, said: “This is just the beginning – the app is an evolving programme of work, with new services and features planned each year, including expanding the appointment functionality for all public hospital appointments. This is a challenging undertaking but a key priority to deliver for everyone under our care.”
Apps and patient-facing tech across the NHS
Airedale NHS Foundation Trust recently won a bid to fund the rollout of the Careology cancer app, which will be used within the trust to provide 24/7 support to cancer patients and help to understand their needs. The Careology app is said to help keep patients connected with the relevant healthcare teams, and to support patients to self-manage aspects of their own care and treatment.
Danish health tech supplier, Dawn Health also launched a new app to help support breast cancer patients throughout their treatment journey. The Cora BC app was developed in collaboration with pharmaceutical company, Novartis, with the aim to keep breast cancer patients informed on their treatment, while also giving them the ability to track their health with “clarity and insight into their experiences”.
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust has awarded a new contract to the MyRenalCare app, a digital solution designed to support patients with kidney disease. The £250k contract was procured to offer patients a way to “take control of their condition” while also allowing clinicians to provide guidance via virtual consultations, with the opportunity to request face-to-face care when required. As part of the app, patients can review blood results and be supported with advice on these findings, without the need for a direct appointment with a consultant. The company website notes the app “can be used through all stages of kidney disease from early chronic kidney disease to dialysis and even transplant”.
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