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HSE Correspondence

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 November 2019

Thursday, 14 November 2019

Ceisteanna (134)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

134. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the large amount of official business carried out with general practitioners by post rather than by email; the estimated saving that would be made in the system if all of this was done electronically; the steps being taken to replace a paper approach by an electronic approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47001/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A significant feature of the recent Agreement on GP contractual reform is the implementation of a number of eHealth measures over the lifetime of the Agreement that aim to improve population well-being, health service efficiencies and economic opportunities through the use of technology-enabled solutions. 

Under the agreement, the State will work with GPs to improve the utilisation of eHealth measures, including measures which provide for the secure electronic sharing of patient information, lab results, diagnostic imaging reports, and prescription orders between medical providers. The use of these systems will enable more streamlined and efficient communication between hospitals and general practice, and an improved and more secure service for patients. 

In relation to official correspondence with general practitioners by post, as the majority of such correspondence would issue from the HSE, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to this matter.

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