Government to soon publish AI healthcare strategy

The Government will soon launch a new strategy on how the health system intends to use artificial intelligence to bolster its services.

The plan, entitled ‘AI for Care’ will soon be published by the Minister for Health, a senior civil servant in her department has said.

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is beginning to transform care delivery,” said Department of Health Assistant Secretary Derek Tierney.

“From predictive analytics that identify patients at risk earlier, to AI-powered decision support tools that help clinicians make faster, safer choices, these technologies are unlocking new possibilities for personalised care.

“As we expand digital infrastructure, AI will play a critical role in reducing waiting times, improving resource planning, detecting and speeding up diagnosis and ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time.”

Mr Tierney was speaking at a hearing of the Oireachtas Health Committee focussed on plans to digitise the health service.

He was joined by HSE Chief Technology and Transformation Officer Damien McCallion, who also pointed to the potential of AI to be transformative in the deliver of services.

“There is much speculation on the impact of AI across many industries, both in terms of opportunities and threats to established ways of working. Health and Social care is no different,” he said.

“In order to get ahead of the curve on AI adoption, I appointed the HSE’s first Chief Data & Analytics Officer (CDAO) earlier this year.

“One of his key priorities was to develop an AI Strategy for Healthcare, an AI Framework to support implementation of AI solutions and to prioritise several key services where AI could make a difference. The strategy and framework are now completed, and I expect these to be launched shortly.”

Mr McCallion gave an update on progress made as part of the Digital for Care 2030 strategy. Since the launch of the six-year implementation plan last year, electronic health records have been rolled out across six maternity hospitals, while the HSE patient app has been downloaded more than 190,000 times since its launch in February.

He told the committee that, within the first three months of next year, Virtual acute wards will be expanded to all six health regions. All public hospitals are also expected to be connected to the HSE’s Imaging Record within the same timeframe.

“This will be deployed in all acute hospitals, with the last two hospitals connecting by Q1 2026,” said Mr McCallion.

“To further illustrate that nothing stands still we are now upgrading this system in 2026, connecting private radiology providers who are commissioned by the HSE and introducing AI to support clinical decision making.”