Dr Niamh Clarke with Carole Broadbank, Integrated Healthcare area manager Midlands, Health Service Executive.

‘HSE Bright Sparks’ healthcare staff recognised for innovation

A team led by Dr Niamh Clarke from Mullingar received the Best Design-led Project award for ‘Redesigning Children’s Services: A Cross Care Group Approach’, one of 12 solutions to healthcare challenges recognised at the recent HSE Spark Summit in Dublin.

This project employed a human-centred design to improve the experiences of children, parents, and healthcare professionals by creating a streamlined referral process and a single point of access to children’s services; and a streamlined autism diagnostic pathway, co-designed with clinicians, managers, and service users.

The project was rolled out in the CHO 8 Region, covering Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, and Westmeath.

The annual HSE Spark Summit event celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of frontline healthcare professionals, bringing together international experts, policymakers, and local innovators to explore latest advances in healthcare.

The HSE Spark Award winners show just some of the ways that using existing resources in different ways can improve processes and reduce pressure on healthcare professionals.

Caitriona Heffernan, HSE Spark innovation lead, said: “The Spark Summit is just one day in the year, but it represents the culmination of countless hours of dedication, creativity, and collaboration by frontline staff across the health service.

“It’s an opportunity to honour and recognise our colleagues’ commitment to improving patient care through innovation. It celebrates their achievements and demonstrates the power of face-to-face connection to inspire learning, spark new ideas, problem-solving, and strengthen our shared drive to deliver better care across the HSE.

“This unique event showcases the ingenuity of frontline healthcare professionals who, every day, are transforming the way we think, work, and care through innovative solutions.”

Speaking at the summit, Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD, said: “At a time when our health service is under significant pressure, the HSE Spark Innovation Programme continues to highlight the strength, creativity, and commitment of our frontline workers.

“HSE Spark supports and mentors healthcare professionals to develop meaningful improvements, grounded in their day-to-day experiences and close connection with patients and service users. It’s a reminder that even in challenging times, positive change is possible when we support and invest in those delivering care on the ground.”

The HSE Spark Innovation Programme supports innovation across the health service by providing funding, mentorship, and access to design-thinking methodology.

Information about the programme is available at HSE Spark Innovation Programme.