Your chance to have a say on health records

SIR,

I am writing to ask if readers of The Kerryman would be interested in becoming members of a Citizens’ Jury to discuss the matter of access to health information?

As individuals, our healthcare professionals need to be able to review our health records to best determine our care. However, that information can also serve the public interest by offering key insights into the development and innovation of our health services for future generations.

One might ask should our health information only be used for our own individual needs? Or should it also assist in wider societal healthcare needs? Can a balance perhaps be struck between both positions that ensures transparency and trust and, if so, how?

The aim of the jury is to learn more about our health information, to deliberate on who might access those records, and to what end.

An initiative of the Irish Platform for Patients’ Organisations, Science & Industry (IPPOSI), we want to assemble a group of 25 people, who are broadly representative of the Irish population.

The jury will hear from experts offering various perspectives on these matters. Its recommendations will be submitted to policy-makers in Ireland to inform the development of new health information legislation, as well as the creation of a national Electronic Health Record.

We are looking for people aged 18 years and above, from diverse backgrounds, and who are resident in Ireland, to join our Citizens’ Jury.

The jury will sit virtually during the month of April for a series of two-hour sessions. Successful applicants will receive a €400 gratuity; however, the bigger reward will be the opportunity to have your say on this matter of huge national importance.

Applications can be made online at www. ipposi.ie/citizensjury and the closing date is Sunday January 31, 2021, Sincerely,

Derick Mitchell

CEO,

IPPOSI,

77 Camden Street,

Dublin 2