Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2021
157. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will consider establishing a national ICT infrastructure that enables electronic health record availability to assist with the shared care of diabetic children between hospitals and regional services across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60730/21]
View answerThe eHealth Strategy for Ireland and Sláintecare both recommend the establishment of electronic health records for everyone using health services in Ireland. This is a long-term programme of work that requires a sustained commitment in terms of funding and resources for eHealth in Ireland.
It is not envisioned that specialty specific or indeed patient cohort specific electronic health records will be separately developed, as to do so would result in multiple different electronic health record systems which would then not cater well for people with multiple health conditions.
There are also plans to develop shared care records which will be of particular benefit to people who need to avail of health services across multiple health locations and these may well be suited for those children highlighted by the Deputy. Children's Hospital Ireland are especially focussed on how best to share information on children that receive care from them but also rely on services offered throughout the rest of the country.
