Clune welcomes new EU health data rules

New medical data rules will help improve care, save lives and protect patients’ privacy, according to Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, a member of the European Parliament’s Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee, which is responsible for scrutinising the new legislation.

e European Health Data Space (EHDS) is designed to boost the exchange of health data, strengthen people’s control of their medical records and help research and development.

MEP Clune told e Kilkenny Ob server: “Health data helps sci entists, innova tors and planners provide better products, services and infrastructure.

“When professionals in volved in patient’s care can easily access digital records they can make more accurate diagnosis and provide more appropriate treatment.” e sharing of medical data was also a central component of a strong European Health Union, which aimsed to collectively deliver stronger health systems in

Ireland and all countries across the EU.

“ e European Health Data Space regulations aim to provide a smooth functioning cross border information system applying the highest standards of data protection,” the MEP said.

“ ere are huge bene ts to the rollout of digital technologies across our healthcare services, but it is vital to treat health data with utmost care and ensure people’s medical information remains safe.”