EFFORTS are to be made to ease the process of providing information to health professionals when people need emergency care. Councillor Mary Howard is proposing that ‘Smart ID Cards’ be created, so that when people need care, their medical records can be easily and quickly accessed. At the July meeting of the local authority, the Fine Gael member asked that Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, be called on to investigate the matter. “These Smart ID cards would contain information like date of birth, PPS number, allergies, health conditions, surgeries etc these would be especially useful if they need to attend hospital or A&E,” Councillor Howard’s motion said. Councillor Howard told Council meeting that she heard about the idea through the HSE West Regional Health Forum. “They would be similar to PPS card really,” she explained. “People don’t get sick, especially those who are infirm, 9am and 5pm. Often they are upset, in pain, or brought in by neighbour. “To have …
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