The Health Service Executive (HSE) recently announced the launch of the new Health App. This innovative tool empowers patients by providing easy access to their health information and will become the digital front door for patients in the coming months and years to navigate and access the health service, said the Executive.
The App is built with the highest standards of security and privacy, said the HSE, ensuring that patients’ personal health information is protected, and designed to provide a simple and secure way for patients to some of their personal health information, have control over their health management, access to trusted information sources like HSE Live, and enhanced communication channels.
Anyone aged over 16 can download the app for free from Google Play or the App Store, however first-phase functionality will be most useful for expectant mothers.
The first release includes functionality that 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 their 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 Emergency Departments and Injury Units.
- View maternity service appointments (for expectant mothers).
Further planned releases over 2025 will allow people to:
- Access to public hospital and screening appointments information for public patients.
- Check referrals and waiting times information.
- Receive additional self-care information and support services including smoking cessation and chronic disease management.
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 www.hse.ie/health-app.
