The Health Service Executive and HealthTech Ireland have formalised a partnership to explore technological solutions aimed at improving patient outcomes and efficiency in the healthcare system.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) of Ireland and HealthTech Ireland have formalised their partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at exploring technological solutions to enhance patient outcomes and improve efficiency within the healthcare system. The signing took place on 22 November 2023, establishing a structured collaboration that builds upon the long-standing relationship between the two entities.
This agreement is set against the backdrop of an evolving landscape in health technology, where artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are increasingly leveraged to address the challenges faced by health services. HSE’s chief technology and transformation officer, Damien McCallion, noted that the engagement will focus on utilising knowledge and technology to advance the HSE’s Digital for Care strategy, an initiative outlined within the Department of Health’s digital healthcare framework.
Susan Treacy, CEO of HealthTech Ireland, emphasised the potential for their partnership to capitalise on Ireland’s robust health tech ecosystem, which boasts a presence of 14 out of the 15 leading global health technology firms alongside a burgeoning number of start-ups. “We aim to help harness this expertise for the system and patients,” stated Treacy, indicating a clear goal to leverage this wealth of knowledge for broader health system benefits.
As interest in technological innovation within healthcare grows, industry experts, including Gary Coffey, Chief Technology Officer of Spectrum.Life, have highlighted the potential shifts that automated decision-making tools could bring to health and wellbeing delivery. Coffey mentioned that the sector is on the verge of “groundbreaking” advancements that could redefine healthcare methodologies.
In related events, the 12th annual HealthTech Innovation Awards held recently in Dublin showcased ten standout companies that are making significant contributions to healthcare and technology advancements. Each award recognised innovative approaches that have the potential for substantial impact on patient care and health service delivery. Companies such as Spryt International received accolades for their AI-driven receptionist service, ASA, while Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital was commended for its digital platform that supports remote monitoring and virtual assessments in oncology.
A complete list of award recipients reflects a wide array of innovations, including sustainability efforts at Tallaght University Hospital and advancements in diagnostic tools by HSL with their Brevera System. The commitment to recognising such innovations underscores a collective effort in the sector to acknowledge impactful technologies that improve healthcare access and outcomes.
Despite these advancements, a recent EU e-health study placed Ireland within the beginner category for e-health maturity, highlighting a need for further development. The country’s score of 11 per cent starkly contrasts with leaders such as Belgium, Denmark, and Estonia, prompting a government push for digitisation through the newly approved Health Information Bill. This initiative aims to streamline and enhance the electronic access to health data in Ireland, potentially improving its standing in e-health capabilities in the future.
The ongoing collaborations, recognised innovations, and government initiatives indicate a concerted effort within the Irish health tech sector to enhance the delivery of healthcare through technology, setting the stage for future developments in the field.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.healthtechireland.ie/events/ – Corroborates the partnership and events such as the HealthTech Innovation Awards and the HealthTech Ireland Symposium, highlighting the collaboration and innovation in the health tech sector.
- https://www.healthtechireland.ie/healthtech-symposium-ireland-2023/ – Provides details on the HealthTech Ireland Symposium, which is part of the broader collaboration and innovation efforts in the health tech sector.
- https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/2606f-health-capital-plan-2023-over-1-billion-investment-in-health-and-social-care-infrastructure/ – Supports the investment in health and social care infrastructure, which aligns with the HSE’s and HealthTech Ireland’s focus on technological solutions and healthcare transformation.
- https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/about-us/hse-health-and-wellbeing-annual-report.pdf – Details the HSE’s focus on prevention, early intervention, and digital health technologies, which are key aspects of the partnership and the Digital for Care strategy.
- https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/ireland-healthcare – Provides an overview of Ireland’s healthcare system, including the role of the HSE, the Department of Health, and the focus on digital health and technological innovations.
- https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/ireland-healthcare – Mentions the development of the digital health framework (2023-2030) and the push for digitisation through the Health Information Bill, highlighting government initiatives in e-health.
- https://www.healthtechireland.ie/events/ – Lists the HealthTech Innovation Awards and other events that recognize innovative approaches in healthcare and technology, such as AI-driven services and digital platforms.
- https://www.healthtechireland.ie/events/ – Highlights the robust health tech ecosystem in Ireland, including the presence of global health technology firms and start-ups, which is a key aspect of the partnership’s goals.
- https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-health/ – Provides information on the Department of Health’s role in the digital healthcare framework and the overall health system, supporting the context of the HSE and HealthTech Ireland partnership.
- https://www.hse.ie/eng/ – Details the operational responsibility of the HSE and its initiatives, which are central to the partnership with HealthTech Ireland and the focus on technological solutions.
- https://www.ehealthireland.ie/ – Supports the focus on e-health and digital health initiatives in Ireland, which are crucial to the partnership’s goals and the broader healthcare transformation.
