The health records can be accessed by doctors when required. Minister for Health Simon Harris says the initiative marks a very significant advance in the “national journey” towards a digital health system, and is also a sign of the Government’s commitment to improving maternity services.

First in the world

The HSE’s maternal and newborn clinical managements system went live in the Cork hospital on Saturday and will be rolled out across the country over the next three years. Next it will be implemented in University Hospital Kerry, and the Rotunda Hospital and National Maternity Hospital in Dublin.

The HSE says the new system marks the introduction of the first national electronic patient chart for maternity anywhere in the world.