A long-awaited computer network giving a wider range of health professionals access to patient information moved a step closer today with the launch of the National Health Information Strategy (NHIS).
The Minister for Health, Mr Martin, said the system would lead to greater patient safety and operational efficiency.
He recognised there are deficiencies in the IT systems within the health service but that the situation is improving.
Mr Martin said: "€60 million has recently been set aside for health information systems, which will have a major impact in areas such as waiting lists, sharing of information, service planning and healthcare evaluation".
A key element of the strategy is the Electronic Healthcare Record which will create unique patient identification allowing for the transfer of information to health services throughout the State.
Initial implementation work on the Hospital Information System, which will include laboratory systems, and on a new system for patient management at the primary care level has begun and would be rolled out through the year, he said.
Provision for the creation of a National Population Health Observatory has also been made. The observatory will monitor health trends throughout the population and provide early warning of future health problems including inequalities in the health service.
The Minister said that better data and centralised information will assist planners make the best use of available resources and to measure the benefits of any additional resources.
The strategy will be overseen by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) which will both implement and advance the new strategy.
All information will be held under the terms of the Data Protection Act. There is no deadline for the completion of the NHIS.