Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1535709
201 NMH | 2024 201 Administration Patient Services and Freedom of Information T he Patient Services Department is a source of information and channels service users' queries in relation to Hospital services to the relevant areas. Service users' needs and care pathways are constantly changing and we are determined to meet these needs and challenges. The Patient Services Department aims to support other departments by providing effective and efficient support to both clinical and non-clinical areas throughout the Hospital. In 2024, the Department continued to provide administrative services across the Hospital in all our frontline patient areas such as Admissions, Clinics and Inpatient Wards. In 2025, we will have two scheduled upgrades to the IPMS administration computer system so letters can be generated automatically and two way SMS text messaging can be facilitated. These upgrades will allow interfacing with the new HSE Patient App. We are members of the HSE National Office Committee for the introduction of the Patient App. Towards the end of the year we started a six month Scheduled Care Project. The trial involves collaboration between four hospitals for Gynaecology patient referrals. The project is ongoing and the goal is to create a Central Referrals Office in 2025. Freedom of Information In 2024, there were 1,698 written requests in total received under Freedom of Information, Administrative Access and Data Protection. This was an increase of 153 requests on the previous year. 22 FOI requests received were corporate non-personal requests.85% of the personal requests were for copies of medical charts. I would like to thank the Patient Services Team for their dedication to Patient and Service Users care in 2024. Finally, I would also like to thank the Executive Management Team for their support throughout the year and look forward to another rewarding year ahead. Alan McNamara, Patient Services & FOI Officer. Helen McCrimmon and Amanda O'Connor, Patient Services Department and Sarah McCourt, Project Office at the NMH Staff Olympics event held during the summer!