Innovating for better healthcare
Under the leadership of the Chief Technology and Transformation Officer (CTTO), the Sláintecare Transformation and Innovation Office (STIO) advances transformation across the healthcare system by enabling sustainable reform and better outcomes for patients, service users, and communities.
We provide national leadership, oversight, and governance of health innovation projects, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and the HSE Framework for Health Innovation.
Our role is to support, enable, coordinate, and report on reform programmes across the health system. In partnership with the Department of Health, HSE programme leads, and key stakeholders, we ensure robust governance, accountability, and delivery of reforms that matter, the framework is pending approval and due for release early 2026.
Programmes of work
Sláintecare 2025+
Sláintecare 2025+ is Ireland’s integrated reform programme for health and social care services. Its goal is to improve services, optimise patient outcomes, and ensure responsiveness to community needs nationwide. Implemented between 2025-2027, with reforms extending further, it builds on progress from earlier Programmes for Government and Sláintecare Implementation Strategies (2018-2024).
Developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and overseen by the Sláintecare Programme Board, this ambitious programme addresses systemic challenges and advances Ireland toward universal healthcare. The STIO works closely with the Sláintecare Programme Management Office (SPMO) and HSE programme leads to ensure effective delivery and support for this reform agenda.
Sláintecare Integrated Innovation Fund (SIIF)
The Sláintecare Integrated Innovation Fund (SIIF) tests and evaluates innovative, integrated models of care, leveraging technology where possible. By funding projects as ‘proof of concept,’ SIIF supports early-stage initiatives, identifies those suitable for mainstreaming, and helps them scale. This strengthens the health system’s ability to respond to future challenges while improving patient care.
Project themes are drawn from health policy, government priorities, and ministerial objectives, fully aligned with Sláintecare reform. The programme adopts a cross-sectoral approach, embedding innovation within new HSE Health Regions. Currently, 11 projects are funded, with potential for mainstreaming in late-2025 or end-2026.
STIO, in partnership with the Department of Health and Pobal, leads coordination, governance, and oversight of SIIF projects, ensuring accountability and alignment with the wider reform programme.
HSE transformation portfolio
The HSE is managing a significant number of complex change programmes with interdependencies requiring executive-level oversight. Success over the next three to five years will be measured by improved outcomes for patients and the public through targeted initiatives.
Approved in December 2024, the HSE Transformation Portfolio brings together 12 Transformation Programmes and 27 Strategic Programmes, representing the CEO’s strategic priorities. These align with Sláintecare reforms and the five commitments of the Corporate Plan 2025-2027: healthy communities, right care, right place, right time, and strong foundations.
Governance is led by the CEO, with the Deputy CEO ensuring accountability. Each programme has a designated senior responsible owner (SRO). STIO plays a central role in supporting delivery and reporting to the HSE board’s Strategy and Reform Committee, ensuring transparency and robust governance across the portfolio.
Innovation
Ireland’s health and social care system faces critical challenges: an ageing population, rising demand, and the need for sustained investment. The HSE is advancing reforms such as digital transformation and Sláintecare implementation, but innovation is essential to keep pace.
Innovation improves patient care, enhances efficiency, and ensures the health service can meet future needs. The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the power of centrally led initiatives rolled out nationwide, while also highlighting local ingenuity. Without a unified, system-wide approach, many promising innovations risk remaining fragmented and failing to achieve national impact.
To address this, the HSE Framework for Health Innovation, commissioned by the CTTO and CCO and led by STIO, provides a clear national strategy. Its vision is to cultivate a dynamic ecosystem where new ideas are systematically identified, developed, and scaled. The framework aims to enhance patient outcomes, improve service delivery, and foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, embedding innovation across the health system in a sustainable way.
The team
Lou O’Hare, Assistant National Director
Lou O’Hare leads strategic transformation, innovation, and patient-centred care across the health system. With over 35 years’ experience in senior clinical, managerial, and leadership roles in acute hospitals and Section 38 agencies, she is known for her commitment to operational excellence and reform. O’Hare fosters a culture of enablement and co-design, shaping a responsive health ecosystem that delivers improved outcomes for patients, service users, and communities.
Sinead Dooner, Business Manager
Sinead Dooner oversees STIO operations, including Sláintecare and Innovation programmes. With 24 years’ experience in community and business health settings, she brings expertise in strategic planning, performance management, and governance. Her leadership in change management and business transformation consistently drives efficiency and enhances organisational impact.
Marguerite Sinnott, Project and Finance Manager
Marguerite Sinnott manages the Sláintecare Integrated Innovation Fund, STIO finance, and project governance. A Strategic Management Accountant with 20 years’ private sector experience, she excels in financial planning, performance analysis, and strategic delivery. Her work supports innovation, drives efficiency, and ensures measurable results across reform initiatives.
Orla Bannon, Project and Business Manager
Orla Bannon delivers the Sláintecare Action Plan and manages key projects. With 21 years in healthcare administration and leadership, she brings deep expertise in service delivery, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Her collaborative approach ensures high-quality outcomes across hospital and national health programmes.
Nora Heavey, Administration and Business Support
Nora Heavey supports cross-functional delivery of STIO programmes. With 24 years in healthcare administration and business support, spanning Community Services and HSE Innovation.
Fergal Collins, Administration Support
Fergal Collins supports finance and operational support across STIO programmes.
W: www.about.hse.ie/our-work/digital-health/slaintecare-transformation-and-innovation-office-stio
