EHR plan to be approved soon

Prof Martin Curley, HSE Chief Information Officer, told the <strong><em>Medical Independent</em></strong> (<strong><em>MI</em></strong>) Department of Health approval for the EHR was “expected this year”.

Approval is required for the business case in order to allow for a procurement process to commence in mid-October for the development of an EHR at the new National Children’s Hospital.

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<strong>Prof Martin Curley</strong>

Prof Curley said a pre-procurement market engagement seminar already undertaken had resulted in a supplier briefing with over 100 companies.

The new National Children’s Hospital, due to open in 2022, will be the first hospital in the country to implement an EHR.

“The implementation of the electronic health record is a major aspect of Sláintecare and is kind of the equivalent of the ‘electrification’ of Ireland… it’s that kind of change we’re seeking. It’s a very significant and big change that needs to happen,” Prof Curley said.

The cost of introducing an EHR could reach €1 billion, with estimates based on market engagements conducted in 2015 and 2016 projecting a cost of up to €875 million over five years.

Prof Curley is confident an increase in capital funding for e-health projects will occur in 2019 and he remains hopeful expense funding would increase also.