Sláintecare Transformation and Innovation Office
The Sláintecare Transformation and Innovation Office (STIO) has recently joined the Technology and Transformation team, bringing its expertise in healthcare reform, innovation, and governance. Working closely with the Department of Health, STIO drives key initiatives while fostering collaboration and accountability. This article introduces our team, outlines our core programmes, and highlights our recent participation in a Department of Health town hall event.
Our Mission/Purpose:
The Sláintecare Transformation and Innovation Office (STIO) is dedicated to supporting, facilitating, overseeing, and reporting on the successful delivery of the Sláintecare reform programmes from a HSE perspective. We work in tandem with the Sláintecare Program Management Office (SPMO) in the Department of Health (DoH), HSE deliverable lead owners and Pobal to ensure the efficient implementation and robust governance of these initiatives.
In addition, we manage the Transformation and Innovation function under the governance of the Chief Technology and Transformation Officer (CTTO) driving forward change and innovation across the healthcare system.
Main programmes of work:
Sláintecare: The Sláintecare Universal Healthcare Strategy and Action Plan 2024+ outlines three implementation phases: Initiation, led by the Sláintecare Programme Implementation Office (SPIO) under the 2018 Action Plan; Foundational, transitioning to the Sláintecare Programme Board (SPB) supported by the Sláintecare Programme Management Office (SPMO) for the 2021-2023 plan; and Delivery, which focuses on the 2024- 2027 Strategic Framework. Since late 2021, the SPB has governed Sláintecare, with implementation responsibilities shifting from the SPIO to individual Department of Health Management and Health Service Executive Board Members. The Sláintecare Transformation and Innovation Office collaborates closely with the Department of Health to ensure effective delivery and support for the reform agenda.
Sláintecare Integrated Innovation Fund (SIIF): The aim of the Sláintecare Integrated Innovation Fund is to test and evaluate innovate models of care, leveraging technology where possible and providing a ‘proof of concept’ with a view to mainstreaming/scaling of successful projects through the annual budget estimates process. The HSE via the STIO along with the Department of Health (SPMO) and Pobal are the co-ordination group responsible for the roll out of these projects. SIIF Round 1, which is now complete, mainstreamed 106 projects out of a total of 123 projects. SIIF Round 2 commenced in January 2023 for a 2 year period. There are currently 11 projects receiving funding and may seek to apply for mainstreaming/scaling in 2025. SIIF Round 3 commenced in January 2024 for a 2-year period with 9 projects approved by the Minister, of which 5 are currently operational. Round 4 is due to commence in 2025. The projects for this round will focus mainly on leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes (automation and AI).
Future Programmes of Work
Innovation Hub: In 2025, we will launch a dedicated HSE Innovation Management Function under the governance of the CTTO. Our goal is to establish a ground-breaking Innovation Hub that aligns with and supports the broader vision and strategic objectives of the HSE. This hub will promote collaboration, drive advanced research, and accelerate the integration of transformative technologies. By harnessing Ireland's world-class expertise and resources, we aim to build a dynamic ecosystem where healthcare professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs can work together to develop innovative solutions that enhance patient care, improve outcomes, boost system efficiency, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. The function will define clear, measurable objectives and drive innovation to achieve improvements in high-priority areas, which includes reducing waiting lists and emergency department (ED) wait times, increasing patient involvement and satisfaction, addressing the needs of an ageing population, promoting prevention, healthy living, self-care, and self-management. By fostering an innovation-driven culture and adopting new technologies, we aim to deliver effective and safe solutions to these critical issues. Ultimately, our aim is to position Ireland as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
The Strategy and Reform Committee
The Strategy and Reform Committee is tasked with overseeing the development and monitoring of the HSE Corporate Plan, Transformation Priorities and National Strategies. There is a significant number of change programmes underway currently across the health service, with complex interdependences that need to be overseen at an executive level to ensure that the intended benefits are delivered within the required timeframe. Ultimately the measure of success over 3 to 5 years is improving outcomes for the patient and public through targeted and focused programmes. The HSE has adopted a prioritisation framework to enable these programmes to be prioritised effectively and ensure that they are aligned with the five commitments set out in the corporate plan: healthy communities, right care, right place, right time, and strong foundations.
The governance of transformation programs will be led by the CEO, with the Deputy CEO overseeing initiatives and ensuring accountability. Each program will have designated Senior Responsible Owners (SROs) for integrated management, supported by the Sláintecare Transformation and Innovation Office (STIO) to assess resources and outcomes. Bi-monthly reports will keep the Senior Leadership Team informed. Committee meetings will focus on individual transformation priority programs, allowing for detailed presentations by programme leads or SROs. An annual review meeting at the end of Q3 will evaluate the overall performance of the transformation priorities, influencing the subsequent year’s service plan.
Meet our team:
The photograph above was taken at the recent Town Hall at the Department of Health alongside our CTTO, Damien McCallion from L-R: Des O’Toole, Design and Clinical Manager; Linda Mitchell, Project and Business Support; Damien McCallion, CTTO and Deputy CEO; Fergal Collins, Administration Support; Louise O’Hare, Assistant National Director, STIO; Marguerite Sinnott, Project and Finance Manager; and Sinead Dooner, Business Manager. Missing from the photograph are Orla Bannon, Project and Business Manager and Nora Heavey, Administration and Business Support.
