Bright Spark from Limerick recognised by the HSE for ground-breaking frontline innovation

INNOVATIVE healthcare staff from Limerick have been recognised for making ground-breaking frontline healthcare solutions.

Anna Marie Kiernan, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Croom Orthopaedic Hospital Pain Excellence Centre (HSE Mid-West health region) received the Best Use of Innovative Technology Award for her project ‘Patch Me If You Can/Virtually Pain Free’, one of 12 innovative solutions to healthcare challenges recognised at the annual HSE Spark Summit in Dublin. 

The event celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of frontline healthcare professionals, bringing together international experts, policymakers, and local innovators to explore latest advancements in healthcare innovation.

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

‘Patch Me If You Can/Virtually Pain Free’ piloted a gamified Augmented Reality (AR) tool to reduce procedural pain during Qutenza patch treatments. 

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Speaking at the Summit, Anna Marie said: “As a nurse practitioner supporting patients through the pain associated with medical procedures, I’ve seen first-hand how powerful ‘distraction’ techniques can be in refocusing their attention and easing discomfort. The AR tool has been welcomed by patients as a new solution for pain relief across different stages of inpatient care. It is remarkably user-friendly for such modern technology —crucial for patient adoption. 

“I’m thrilled that HSE Spark Innovation has backed the further development of ‘Patch Me If You Can,’ helping transform an everyday technique into a scalable, impactful intervention.” 

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 their commitment to improving patient care through innovation. It not only celebrates their achievements but also 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.” 

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

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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 experience 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. 

High-impact projects supported by HSE Spark recently include: 

‘The SitWell Pathway’: Led by Linda Keogh, Senior Occupational Therapist with the Children’s Disability Network Team, Longford, the “Sit Well” project transformed custom seating services for children with physical disabilities in Longford’s Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) by developing a local custom seating service in Longford. 

‘Virtual Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) Identifier Pathway: A Whole New World?’: Led by Dr Laura Piggott, Specialist Registrar in Respiratory Medicine at St. James’s Hospital, the project is a digital programme to identify and manage sleep apnoea, a debilitating respiratory condition in patients, and has reduced average patient waiting times from three years to five and a half months, with average cost saving per patient of €1,000 to the HSE. 

‘Pathfinder Point-of-Care Testing’: The Letterkenny Pathfinder Team in Donegal introduced ‘point-of-care blood testing’ to reduce unnecessary Emergency Department visits for older adults. This service used portable testing in the home to identify issues like dehydration or mild infection. The approach reduced ambulance use and Emergency Department strain, while improving patient experience and autonomy. 

‘Trans-Nasal Endoscopy’: At the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr John Campion introduced trans-nasal endoscopy (TNE) as a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional sedated gastroscopy. 

‘Reablement at Home’: A collaboration between the Occupational Therapy team at University Hospital Waterford and the HSE Home Support Office has created a cost-saving, home-based rehabilitation service for patients post-discharge. The service reduced hospital stays by an average of four days, saving 172 acute bed days and 500 rehabilitation/step-down bed days. 

‘Balancing Stress’: A free, online video programme from the HSE, ‘Balancing Stress’ was designed to help people manage everyday stress using accessible, evidence-based tools. Developed through a Human-Centred Design approach and led by Principal Psychologist Dr Niamh Clarke, the programme includes six 35-minute self-directed sessions covering topics like worry, low mood, and relationship stress. 

Speakers included at the summit included Bernard Gloster, CEO of the HSE, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health, Trevor Vaugh, Public Service Design Lead, Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery & Reform, Kate Lydon, Director, Big Motive, and Caitriona Heffernan, HSE Spark National Clinical Innovation Lead.