Limerick healthcare projects recognised at HSE Bright Sparks Awards

TWO HSE workers from the Mid-West  have been honoured for their innovative healthcare solutions at the recent HSE Spark Summit in Dublin.

Mairead O’Donoghue, a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner of St. John’s Hospital, Limerick, and Niamh Keane, the Clinical Lead, Health and Wellbeing HSE, of HSE Mid-West Ennis received two of 12 awards, recognising their drive for improvements made for patient care.

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

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Mairead O’Donoghue received the Best Digital Project award for her project ‘InjuryNet - Transforming Patient Care through Digital Innovation’, which saw the Injury Unit at St John’s Hospital successfully transition from handwritten notes to a bespoke, in-house digital clinical record system. 

By eliminating paper-based processes, the team reduced clinician fatigue, accelerated patient care, and improved discharge coding and reporting. This initiative was implemented in the HSE Mid-West health region.

Niamh Keane received the Community Collaboration Award for her project, ‘Baby & Me - Baby Bonds & Beyond’. The project offered accessible health information, promoting self-care and fostering maternal wellbeing, to deliver culturally sensitive, peer-led health support in Ballinacurra Weston, Co. Limerick, in the HSE Mid-West health region.

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.

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 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.” continued Caitriona.

“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. 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.