The first version of the app marks a new era for the public who will be able to manage their healthcare digitally, and it will be updated annually.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill described the release of the app as an “exciting milestone in our ­journey to digitise patient health records”.

HSE chief Bernard Gloster said it would mean “we see a future where our patients and the people who care for them are empowered and better informed about their care”.

Expectant mothers in Cork University Hospital were among the first to test the app as part of a trial before its launch, and now pregnant women nationally can view their maternity service appointments .

Helene Troissant from Cork, who is mother to three-year-old Aaron and two-month-old Ella, said: “I found it really useful. It kept all my appointments in one place too. So, if you lose your appointment card, it is not a problem as everything is written down on the app.”

The first version of the app in English and Irish – it will be available later in other languages – can be downloaded by anyone aged 16 and over for free from Google Play or the App Store.

It will allow users to carry a digital list of self-declared medications and see a list of medicines received through the Drugs Payment Scheme or Medical Card Scheme. They can also store their European Health Insurance Card for use while abroad and also their medical card, long-term illness card Drugs Payment Scheme card and GP visit card.

Users can access flu and Covid-19 vaccination records and also find a signpost about HSE services, such as emergency departments and injury units.

Pregnant women can view maternity service appointments.

To log in to the app, people will need a verified MyGovID account.

A verified MyGovID proves who you are and ensures the HSE is giving personal health information to the right person.

Anyone who does not have a verified MyGovID will still be able to use the app, but only to find general information about health conditions and HSE services.

The HSE spent around €6m on the app and said its security has been a priority to ensure that it is protected in the event of a cyber attack.

It recently appointed a cyber-security officer in the wake of a major attack on its IT systems by Russian criminals in 2021.

The HSE is playing catch-up when it comes to technology and healthcare, and this year it will expand internet access to all healthcare settings as well as introducing shared care records.

Mr Gloster said the HSE will present a business case to the Government for electronic healthcare records to replace paper-based versions this year

It is expected to be around seven years before these are fully in place.

The system would mean that ­wherever a patient attends, their record will be instantly accessible, allowing for ­greater efficiency and safety.