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HSE Health App

The HSE Health App, developed by the HSE and the Department of Health, is one of the first initiatives delivered as part of Digital for Care 2030, Ireland’s health and social care digital framework.  

Empowering Patients 

Aligned with the “Patient as an Empowered Partner” principle in the Digital for Care 2030 strategy, the HSE Health App enables patients to securely access available health data in a patient centred and accessible format.  

By providing an alternative pathway to access both existing and new services, the HSE Health App empowers patients to actively engage in their own healthcare while adhering to stringent GDPR and data protection standards. This innovation ensures compliance with HIQA’s National Standard on information requirements for a national electronic patient summary and aligns with the objectives of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) initiative.  

As someone who relies on the health service, I will have: 

My own Digital Health Record: available on my smartphone as a patient app using my own digital identity. I will be able to access my personal digital health record, that will contain up-to-date, high quality health information, that is relevant to me and co-designed through clinical and patient partnerships. I will be able to choose to view and/or contribute to my digital health record through the app. I will be able to use the app to share my health information with those who treat and care for me, meaning my data travels with me and for me.  

Technical development and collaboration 

Co- designed with patients, staff, and advocacy groups the HSE Health App was developed as a HSE project in partnership with HSE Technology and Transformation, HSE Communications and our partner collaborators. The result is a secure, scalable, and user-friendly platform supported by multiple HSE teams, including: 

  • Chief information security office (CISO): proactively manage cybersecurity 

  • Cloud platform (CP):  provide Infrastructure to ensure scalability and robustness. 

  • Access to Information, Health Identifiers service (A2i-HIDs): deliver application programming interfaces (APIs) and identify management solutions 

  • Integrated Information Service (IIS):  Connect, capture, and transform data for use within the application 

  • HSE Digital: provides content design, product features, digital operations, social media and digital marketing, customer support via HSE Live and user experience 

  • Standards and Shared Care Records (SSCR): offers project management oversight, product ownership and support  

Partner collaborators and service providers include: 

  • Nearform: partner software development team 

  • Waystone and Mandiant: support comprehensive security testing 

  • Dept®: Content and messaging infrastructure, web services 

  • Deloitte Ireland LLP: Messaging and customer relationship management (CRM) infrastructures, project planning and delivery support 

  • Context studio: Design research and service design support 

  • Snasta: Irish translation services 

Data Protection 

Data sharing agreements are in place between all services and partner collaborators ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. Data protection impact assessments (DPIA’s) have been completed with regular reviews to ensure ongoing security compliance. 

Security 

A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy has been designed and implemented to ensure the secure and resilient operation of the HSE Health App, protecting both the organisation and the public. Each app version incorporates rigorous cybersecurity measures, including continuous testing and risk assessments led by the CISO team and partners. Extensive security testing, including risk mitigation, ensures the app remains secure and trustworthy. 

User Access & Compatibility 

The HSE Health App is available to individuals aged 16 year and over with a verified MyGovID. A Data Sharing Agreement with the Department of Social Protection ensures secure use of MyGovID for HSE Digital Health Services. 

The app supports: 

  • iOS: Version 13.4 + (iPhone 6/6 Pro S and later) 

  • Android: Version 11 + ("Red Velvet Cake") 

Launch Features  

The HSE Health App connects previously siloed systems to create a unified patient record, offering: 

  • Appointments: Retrieved from hospital patient administration systems (iPMS), this feature enables expectant mothers to view most maternity service appointments. 

  • Health Cards: Provides access to Medical Cards (GMS), GP visit card, Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) Cards, Long-Term Illness (LTI) Cards, and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), sourced from primary care reimbursement services (PCRS). 

  • Reimbursed Medications: Displays details of medications and prescriptions reimbursed by PCRS backdated up to two months prior to user onboarding. Users can also update and carry a digital list of self-declared medications.  

  • Vaccination Records: Including COVID-19 and flu vaccinations administered from 2021 onward, sourced from our national COVAX system, a system which holds this information. 

  • HSE service information: Helps users easily find HSE services, including emergency departments (EDs) and injury units. 

Benefit to the User 

Delivery of the HSE Health App will enable a more personalised relationship between the public and our health service providers. By improving patient care, experience and safety, the anticipated benefits of early features include.  

  • Improved access to personalised health information, increasing patient knowledge and confidence in their own care 

  • Enhanced awareness of appointment details, helping to reduce missed appointments, saving time for patients and service providers, and lowering travel-related emissions.  


A comprehensive value management strategy is in place, with an implementation plan set for 2025. 

Future Updates 

Future releases will introduce additional data sources and features to enhance functionality. Stay updated at www.hse.ie/health-app  

For any queries please contact: sscr@hse.ie 

 

 

Last updated 25/02/25