The HSE has launched the latest update to the HSE Health App, which now allows patients to track where they are in their care journey.
The app will show patients the day case and inpatient waiting lists they are on, replacing the current appointment management approach which relies on physical letters or verbal updates on appointment. Patients will receive a notification when an appointment is made.
Patients will also be able to see general referrals made for them by their GP. Information on specialist referrals will be available on the app next year.
In addition, health data for patients on the Structured Chronic Disease Management Programme are also now accessible via the app. Information will be available to patients in relation to their diagnosis and a record of vitals and measurements.
The latest version of the app will allow patients to access information on referrals and appointments at 35 hospitals, along with BreastCheck screening appointments. Day case and inpatient waiting lists for these 35 hospitals will also be accessible. Other information now incorporated into the app include a list of medications and allergies, COVID-19 and flu vaccination records, and digital versions of the Medical Card and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD said: “This latest app release offers patients access to more of their own health information showing the pace of development since the HSE Health App was launched in February of this year. By enhancing the app to provide better visibility of referrals sent by their GP and more information on waiting lists, we are taking one more step towards empowering patients. For example, when you get your flu vaccination, which I am encouraging everyone eligible to do, that vaccination record will sit alongside these updates and give you more control over your own health.”
Damien McCallion, HSE Chief Technology and Transformation Officer, said: “Approximately 500 people are downloading the Health App every day. There have been over 190,000 app downloads and over 275k,000 appointments displayed to app users since it was launched, providing a great benefit to our patients. It’s also now the number one free health app in Ireland.
“We are transforming and improving healthcare for people in Ireland through Digital for Care, with the app being one element of a wide range of innovative digital initiatives that put the patient at the centre of everything we do.”
The app can be downloaded free from Google Play or the App Store, by persons aged 16 and over.
