Success for Athlone designer at HSE Spark Innovation Summit

Athlone Designer and NCAD graduate, Sean Gallagher, has received a CEO’s Choice Award for Best Hospital and Community Integration Project at the HSE Spark Innovation Summit, for his work on ‘Skinnovate’.

This project was developed by Mater Transformation, the innovation office at the Mater Hospital. ‘Skinnovate’ is one of 12 projects recognised at the summit held in Dublin on Thursday, June 15, for their contribution to promoting innovation in the health sector.

Established in 2017, the HSE Spark Innovation Programme supports innovation across the health service by providing funding, mentorship, and access to design-thinking methodology.

‘Skinnovate – Transforming How Routine Skin Conditions are Managed Across the Healthcare System’, led by Dr Patsy Lehane, Consultant Dermatologist, received their award for their development of lifelike skin models designed and built by Sean, to help GPs to manage routine skin conditions in the community. Skinnovate includes a phone-line for GPs to access a dermatology nurse specialist; an encrypted app so that GPs can share photos and access specialist advice from dermatologists; and the training of GPs to carry out basic surgery with support from Mater dermatologists.

Jared Gormly, Head of the HSE Spark Innovation Programme, said, “The work of the HSE Spark Innovation Programme since its establishment in 2017 demonstrates the potential for regional innovation labs to transform Ireland’s healthcare system."

“Healthcare is facing multiple challenges, such as increasing costs, an ageing population, and evolving patient expectations. However, we know from our work over the past six years that supporting innovation in the health service leads to huge benefits. These include reduced waiting lists, reduced costs, better patient experience and enhanced job satisfaction for healthcare staff."