Your health in your hands: first version of HSE Health App includes hospital appointments for expectant mothers

The Department of Health and HSE launched the first version of the HSE Health App today. It is one of the first initiatives delivered as part of Digital for Care, Ireland’s health and social care digital framework. From today anyone aged 16 and over can download the app for free from Google Play or the App Store, however first phase functionality will be most useful for expectant mothers.

First phase functionality allows people to:

• carry a digital list of self-declared medications and see a list of medicines received through the Drugs Payment Scheme or Medical Card Scheme
• store your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), medical card, Long-term Illness card (LTI), Drugs Payment Scheme card (DPS) and GP Visit card
• access flu and COVID-19 vaccination records
• easily find information about HSE services, such as EDs and Injury Units
• view maternity service appointments (for expectant mothers)

A verified MyGovID is needed to access personal health information

To log in to the HSE Health App and access personal health information, you will need a verified MyGovID account. A verified MyGovID proves who you are and ensures we are giving personal health information to the right person.

If you do not have a verified MyGovID, you will still be able to use the app to find information about health conditions and HSE services.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, said, “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.

“We can now ensure that every patient is provided with easily accessible health information that is accurate and trustworthy. The phased introduction of appointment notifications and reminders will make it easier for people to manage their care.

“I know the App development team have also consulted with a number of patient organisations so that their needs are incorporated into the design process to ensure the App is patient-centred.”

The HSE is working with colleagues across government to integrate the HSE Health App with the Government Digital Wallet that will be released later this year.”

Bernard Gloster, HSE CEO, said, “There has been much progress made in modernising the data capabilities and digital technologies of our health service in recent years. 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. Through utilisation and ongoing development of digital tools, such as the new HSE Health App, we see a future where our patients and the people who care for them are empowered and better informed about their care.

I will continue to ensure that we prioritise providing increased access for patients to their data and to interact with our health services to improve their experiences.”

Damien McCallion, HSE Chief Technology and Transformation Officer said, “Anyone who wishes to, can use the first version of the HSE Health App. It gives people secure access to their COVID-19 and flu vaccination records, digital medications lists, medical cards and EHIC cards, all in one place. Expectant mothers can also view upcoming maternity appointments in the app.

“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.

“The app is one aspect of the digitisation of the health service and a major priority as we face new challenges and ensure we can provide the health service the country needs and deserves.”

Work is underway to make public hospital appointment notifications and reminders, and support to quit smoking, available in the app. Features for patients that will be delivered in the future include:

• access to public hospital and screening appointments information for public patients,
• referrals and waiting times information
• additional self-care information and support services.

Accessibility

The app development team has consulted with a number of organisations representing disabled people and worked with a Patient Advisory Group to understand the needs of a wide range of people. This has ensured their needs are heard and they are involved in the design process. The app has also been tested with users who rely on assistive technology, and audited to ensure it reaches HSE and European standards for accessibility. Work is ongoing with users of the app to identify and implement improvements so we can add new features and functionality.

Future app features will be guided by ongoing research and engagement with patients, staff, and the public. For now, the HSE Health App is available in English and Irish, and other languages are being explored for future versions.

For more information see hse.ie/health-app

Download the HSE Health App for free via the App Store or Google Play.