UPMC Ireland has selected MEDITECH Expanse as the electronic health record to be used across multiple sites, in line with their latest digital transformation efforts aimed at improving patient care.
According to UPMC Ireland, the addition of Expanse will allow them to “streamline operations and support future innovation” in four hospitals, two cancer centres and six sports medicine clinics by giving them access to a comprehensive suite of clinical, administrative and financial solutions. This will reportedly “enable faster, safer, and more connected care” while also making it easier to share information between the different locations, which they note is a “fundamental step toward achieving future growth”.
Some of the capabilities offered by Expanse include modern digital infrastructure, advanced interoperability, protection against cyber threats, data and patient privacy features and access to Expanse’s patient portal, which allows patients to see their health information, appointment details, use secure messaging with their providers and take part in questionnaires.
“This implementation marks a major milestone in UPMC’s digital transformation, giving us a unified, cloud-based electronic health record that replaces legacy systems. It will empower clinicians and staff with faster, more connected access to information, supporting smarter decision-making and improved care coordination,” UPMC Ireland Chief Information Officer, Pat Cronin said.
MEDITECH was recently selected by another hospital in Ireland. Mater Private Network, a private hospital business, chose the EHR system as a way to replace paper-based processes and a number of other systems used across its specialities and locations.
Health tech news in Ireland: the wider trend
Health Innovation Hub Ireland recently announced the launch of a new national initiative called HIHI.AI Call 2025, which was set up in support of the “development and testing of AI solutions that can make a real impact in Ireland’s healthcare system”. This involved getting input from companies, startups, researchers, clinicians and industry leaders who have already developed AI-powered healthcare solutions.
In May, Minister of Health for Northern Ireland, Mike Nesbitt, shared details of a £61 million investment in GP services with the aim to support primary care reform across the region. The funding has been set up to support the rollout of a primary care MDT programme, which will have MDT teams made up of physio, mental health and social work roles, working alongside general practice teams.
Earlier this year, Ireland launched the Health Service Executive Health App to provide a “digital front door”, allowing patients to access key health services. The first phase of implementation saw the introduction of a number of features, including the ability to view maternity service appointments, create and carry a “digital list of self-declared medications”, store European Health Insurance Card information and access flu and COVID-19 vaccination records, with further functionality set to be rolled out late in the year.
