Ireland advances procurement for €1b electronic health records system

Ireland's Department of Health has approved progression to the procurement phase for a national Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, following a €1 billion investment commitment announced in Budget 2025. The system will digitise patient records across public healthcare services, enabling healthcare professionals to access comprehensive patient information and improve care quality and operational efficiency.

Euractiv reported that the Health Service Executive will lead the procurement process, which is expected to commence in early 2026. The EHR system will replace fragmented paper-based and local digital systems currently in use across hospitals and community healthcare settings.

The national system will integrate patient data from primary care, hospitals, emergency departments and community services into a single accessible platform. Healthcare staff will be able to view patient histories, medications, test results and treatment plans in real time, reducing duplication and supporting clinical decision-making.

The Department of Health stated that the procurement will seek suppliers capable of delivering a scalable, secure platform that meets data protection requirements and interoperability standards. The system must accommodate future technological developments and integrate with existing healthcare IT infrastructure.

Implementation will be phased across multiple sites over several years, with initial deployment targeted at major hospital groups before extending to community and primary care settings. The rollout strategy prioritises clinical safety, staff training and change management alongside technical delivery.

Ireland joins several European countries advancing national EHR programmes, including Denmark, Estonia and Finland, where digital health records have been credited with improving patient outcomes and reducing administrative burden. The procurement represents one of Ireland's largest health technology investments and marks a significant step towards healthcare digital transformation.

Explore Ireland's plans for nationwide electronic health records implementation and procurement timelines.