Overview
Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) has entered into a five-year agreement with Sectra, a medical imaging and cybersecurity company, aimed at improving access to diagnostic imaging and reports for pediatric care teams in Ireland.
Key Details
- The contract was signed in January 2025 after a four-month procurement process.
- It is part of CHI’s digital transformation strategy, particularly for the new children’s hospital currently under construction in Dublin.
- Healthcare professionals will gain instant access to imaging and reports, enhancing patient care.
Benefits of the New System
With this new technology, CHI will establish a single secure repository for all non-radiology DICOM images, reports, and other essential diagnostic information. Key benefits include:
- Consolidation of medical images into a vendor neutral archive (VNA).
- Integration with CHI’s electronic health record system.
- Management of over a petabyte of non-radiology imaging data.
Specialized Imaging Solutions
A new picture archiving and communication system (PACS) tailored for ophthalmology will also be implemented, addressing specific needs and improving workflow efficiency.
Statements from CHI
Dr. Cliodhna Byrne O’Shea, applications programme manager at CHI, emphasized the revolutionary impact of this imaging technology:
“The VNA will ensure that all non-radiology imaging and related information is accurately catalogued and linked to patient records. This new interoperability will significantly enhance clinicians’ ability to access imaging during clinics, saving valuable time.”
Patient and Family Engagement
Patients and their families will benefit from easier access to their imaging data. Parents will also have the capability to securely send images and videos to healthcare professionals for review, such as footage related to speech and language concerns.
About Sectra
Sectra has over 30 years of experience in providing enterprise imaging solutions, serving more than 2,500 sites globally. Their technology aims to enhance clinical collaboration and improve patient access to diagnostic services.
Conclusion
This partnership marks a significant step in CHI’s digital transformation journey, promising to improve the efficiency of pediatric care in Ireland.