Kildare university’s Digital Health Summer School unveils new vision for Irish healthcare

Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless has opened Maynooth University’s Digital Health Summer School in Co Kildare.

The summer school unveils a new vision for digital health in Ireland, outlined with demonstrations of 10 healthcare innovations that could revolutionise the Irish healthcare system.

Opening the Innovation Value Institute’s 3rd International Digital Health Summer School, Minister Lawless said: "Today's event exemplifies higher education's potential to profoundly impact society, showcasing Maynooth University’s commitment to innovation beyond academia."

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The Summer School unveiled a digital health initiative, named Mission 10X, to deliver healthcare in Ireland that is 10 times faster, cheaper and smarter than that offered by the current system and that also enables comprehensive patient-managed care.

Speaking at the event, Professor Martin Curley, Director of the Digital Health Ecosystem at  IVI, said: “The best way to predict the future is to innovate it. We have all the knowledge and technology to build and scale a world-class health and wellness system—powered by open, intelligent technology and centred on patients, not paperwork."

He added that Mission 10X, which is based on 10 actionable recommendations, was fully aligned with Irish health strategy Sláintecare and its adoption would allow Ireland to leapfrog from last in Europe to world leader in digital health.

At the core of the new plan is SPINE, or Secure Patient Information Network Exchange, an individual electronic health record system which already supports over 15,000 patients in Ireland. It aims to improve patient outcomes, health economics, clinician experience and productivity by addressing patient information fragmentation.

Mission 10X recommends a phased investment in SPINE, starting with an initial €10 million feasibility study scaling to a €100 million nationwide deployment that would see every citizen offered a personal electronic health record.

Other healthcare innovations demonstrated at the two-day event which could form part of an integrated Irish digital health ecosystem, included:

• An AI-integrated smartwatch capable of real-time fall detection, direct care operator communication and instant patient record updates

• AI-driven screening technology deployable at pharmacies, GP practices, primary care centres and homes, to bring proactive screening into local settings

• Voice AI technology providing multi-lingual communication and customised podcasts to improve patient understanding and adherence

Voicing support for the plan, Dr John Sheehan of Blackrock Health, said: "With a modest initial investment of €10 million, Ireland can create a scalable digital health system, mirroring Estonia's successful model. This is a historical opportunity we cannot afford to miss."

Others attending the Summer School included Danny McCoy, IBEC chief executive, who said:  “Despite Ireland’s wealth and EU digital rankings, we lag in digital healthcare. Mission 10X provides an essential leapfrog solution that we must adopt immediately."

Stephen McMahon, Head of the Irish Patients’ Association, also backed the move to digital healthcare: "This is a digital health revolution—a beacon of hope and healing for patients today and future generations. Mission 10X shows that together, we truly can transform healthcare."

Watch Prof Curley explain Mission 10X, the initiative which aims to provide Ireland with a world-leading digital healthcare system.