One Health Record - a single electronic health record for Ireland

A National Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a digital system that holds a person’s full health and social care information in one place. It replaces paper records and separate IT systems. Staff can record, update, and look up health information using a single system.

HSE One Health Record (OHR)

Work is underway through the Digital for Care Framework to create a EHR called the HSE One Health Record.

It will be used across all health services in Ireland. This means that staff will be able to see the same up-to-date information no matter where a patient is receiving care.

Benefits of HSE One Health Record

In the future, patients will be able to see their own records online. Carers may also be able to access the records, but only with the patient’s permission.

The HSE OHR is a key part of Sláintecare, Ireland’s plan to improve and better connect healthcare services.

It will be the biggest investment ever made in digital health in Ireland. It will also be the largest digital transformation programme the Irish health system has taken on. Around 5.3 million people across 6 health regions, along with about 160,000 staff, are expected to benefit.

Why an electronic record matters

Patients often have to repeat their medical history every time they use a new health service. With this system, staff will be able to find information quickly and safely. This will help patients feel more supported and confident in their care.

For patients and service users, this means:

• medical history does not need to be repeated at every appointment
• more consistent care across hospitals and community services
• key information, such as medications and allergies, will be easily accessed

For staff, this means:

• faster access to reliable information
• less time searching records or trying to read handwriting
• stronger support for safe clinical decision-making and care planning

Rolling out OHR

The Government has approved the next step in the project. This means that we can now start the procurement process to choose the vendor that will help us build HSE OHR.

Our evaluation process will make sure that the chosen company can provide a safe, reliable, and easy-to-use system that puts patients first.

The HSE expects to choose a vendor in 2027.

The first stage of HSE OHR will begin in the Dublin and North East Health Region. This is planned for 2029. The aim is to have the system available across Ireland by 2032.

We will also work with the people who use and deliver healthcare services.

This includes:

• patients
• healthcare professionals
• clinical leaders
• service providers.

Their ideas and experience will help make sure the system works well in everyday healthcare.

At the same time, technical planning is continuing. This will help make sure HSE OHR meets national standards for safety, quality, and protecting people's information.

Contact

For more information email ohr@hse.ie