Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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352. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to media reports (details supplied); if the Health Service Executive, HSE, has considered the suitability of this system to assist in the reduction of waiting lists here as has been achieved in Macedonia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9506/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There is no doubt that IT solutions can play a significant role in underpinning a more integrated approach to managing waiting lists which could achieve a more patient centred approach while optimising resources, and I am aware of the improvements outlined in the media relating to the use of technology in the management of waiting lists in Macedonia.

The HSE's Office of the Chief Information Officer (OoCIO) has looked at international experience in this area and to see what lessons could be learnt.

The system being referred to in Macedonia is optimised for the way health services are organised and configured in that country and it would need careful consideration for adoption in the Irish healthcare scenario. I will ask the HSE to consider the benefits of a similar approach referred to by the Deputy in any technology solutions being examined in the context of improving waiting list management in Ireland.

The application of eHealth and digital solutions to underpin patient safety and also improve efficiency has been set out in the Government eHealth strategy published in 2013 and there is wide stakeholder agreement that further investment in technology is required. In the meantime, a number of solutions are currently being deployed including an electronic eReferral system to improve the flow of data around the health system .

Finally, as the Deputy may be aware, I have committed to request that the NTPF establish and lead a project team of relevant experts and stakeholders to examine the feasibility of progressing to a more integrated approach to waiting list management at Hospital Group level and report to me by the end of August.