The Irish Presidency of the EU Council announced that the eHealth Week will take place from 13th – 15th May 2013. On this occasion, it will focus on the use of technology to revolutionise healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

The eHealth Week, that aims to encourage innovative policy development and will look at maximising health and economic benefits and potential for employment through new technologies, will be celebrated from 13th to 15th May 2013. The Irish Presidency announced that this edition will provide a showcase and networking opportunities for the Irish, European and transatlantic ICT industry, as well as to incorporate a number of workshops and industry focused activities. A report launched on the occasion of the 2012 eHealth Week showed that Europeans will only be able to benefit from eHealth if agreement is reached on how to use health data.

The event also comprises a High Level eHealth Conference co-organised by the European Commission and the Irish Department of Health (to be held in Dublin Castle) and the WoHIT (World of Health IT Conference & Exhibition) organised by HIMSS Europe. The event that will be celebrated in Dublin is intended to attract over 2,500 international delegates and 100 exhibitors. It will welcome global decision makers from public and private healthcare sectors, clinicians, hospital and IT managers and VIP guests.

‘Connected Health’ or eHealth allows the patient to engage fully in their own healthcare and allows for more open and efficient communications between patient and healthcare provider. Dr James Reilly TD, Minister for Health in Ireland stressed that eHealth solutions are critical in the delivery of a world class health system and offer significant opportunities for stimulating economic growth.