By Paul McElwee

TWO Donegal healthcare professionals have received a prestigious award for their part in helping to introduce a new ‘point of care’ treatment for local patients.

Catherine Kelly and Gary Gardiner, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist and Principal Paramedicine Tutor with the Letterkenny Pathfinder Team, received the Best Hospital Avoidance Award for their project, ‘Introduction of Point of Care Blood Testing for Letterkenny Pathfinder patients’.

They received their award at the annual HSE Spark Summit in Dublin.

Their project introduced ‘point-of-care’ blood testing to reduce unnecessary Emergency Department visits for older adults.

The service uses portable testing in the home to identify issues like dehydration or mild infections, with results shared with GP’s in real time.

Fifty patients were assessed in the pilot phase, with 86 per cent of patients safely managed at home and 88 per cent still at home after seven days and no adverse events.

The approach reduced ambulance use and Emergency Department strain, while improving patient experience and autonomy.

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

The summit 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.

Caitriona Heffernan, HSE Spark Innovation Lead, and one of a range of speakers at the summit, 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.”

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD, also in attendance praised the Programme for fostering the creativity of those within the sector, saying, “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.”