The International Health Terminology Standards Development Organisation (IHTSDO) announced today that Ireland had joined as its twenty-ninth Member.

IHTSDO owns and administers SNOMED CT, the world’s most comprehensive health terminology. Founded in 2007 by nine charter nations, IHTSDO is a strong member-owned and driven international organization.  The addition of Ireland has grown the Membership to 29 countries and territories across five continents.

Ireland decided to join IHTSDO after an extensive consultation process, which included a report from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). The report identified the adoption of a standard terminology such as SNOMED CT as essential to the implementation of the national Irish eHealth Strategy, as well as the risks associated with not adopting SNOMED CT.

As IHTSDO’s newest Member, Ireland will enjoy benefits such as:

• Use of SNOMED CT within Ireland

• Management of the release, distribution, and sublicensing of SNOMED CT and other IHTSDO products within Ireland

• Representation on the IHTSDO General Assembly

• Access to forums and networks to share and learn from others’ experiences implementing and using the terminology

“We are delighted to be the 29th Member of IHTSDO and we see this as an important step towards interoperability and connected health to support eHealth Ireland,” said Richard Corbridge CIO HSE, CEO eHealth Ireland. “As we strive to put in place the concepts of a ‘digital fabric’ for health, the Irish healthcare system understands the need for working on an international platform around standards and best practice.”

“Ireland joins a global community with shared assets, common needs, and a commitment to exchanging experiences and working together on shared priorities,” said IHTSDO CEO Don Sweete. “We welcome them as a Member and look forward to further growing our Membership in 2017”.