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Marie Byrne - Senior Project Manager NePS

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Background:

I have a clinical background in Physiotherapy and have worked on various digitally enabled improvements with technology and clinical colleagues since 2001. Before joining the HSE in early 2022, I worked as the Health & Social Care Professions (HSCP) Informatics Lead at St. James’s Hospital, leading the digital transformation of clinical processes. Understanding the problems to be solved and the benefits of digital-enabled change has always been a cornerstone of my work. Having a clinical background and understanding of the health system is a huge advantage.

Working Life:

I am based at Dr. Steevens’ Hospital and live nearby in Dublin 8 — just a 15-minute walk, making my daily commute very easy.
As a Senior Project Manager, my current focus is on the National ePrescription Service (NePS) project. The project is in the procurement preparation stage, requiring the development and validation of detailed documentation. I chair and attend a wide range of meetings, including project board, procurement evaluation group and stakeholder workshops.
My role involves close collaboration with a variety of internal and external stakeholders across technology, clinical, and business areas to ensure projects are fit for purpose, align with national frameworks, and ultimately deliver improvements to healthcare delivery.

Impact on Patient Care:

Our current work on NePS is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of prescription management across Ireland, reducing medication errors and streamlining the process for patients, prescribers, and pharmacists alike.
Throughout my career,  working as HSCP Health Informatics lead,  Senior PM for the Clinical Management System (CMS) for the National Forensic Mental Health Service or the Integrated Community Case Management System (ICCMS), the goal has been the same — to enhance patient care through digital innovation.

Challenges Involved:

  • Project management in healthcare IT is full of complexities.
  • Navigating stakeholder relationships and different levels of digital literacy.
  • Ensuring accuracy and integration of data.
  • Managing technical challenges such as WiFi coverage and network considerations.
  • Steering projects through complex procurement processes with precision and transparency.

The Most Rewarding Aspects of My Job:

What I love most is the challenge and variety of the work, the opportunity to genuinely improve healthcare systems, and the satisfaction of seeing positive outcomes for patients.
I am particularly proud of projects where I was able to bring colleagues — initially hesitant about digital solutions — along on the journey. Watching clinical and business teams embrace technology and use data-driven dashboards to improve their services is hugely rewarding. The CMS project in NFMHS & NRH in 2024 winning multiple awards  and a high commendation for the "Pen to Pad" project at the HSCP Innovation Awards 2018, were proud milestones.

Motivation:

Each day, I’m motivated by the chance to contribute to a better healthcare system through digitally enabled care. Knowing that my work helps patients and supports healthcare professionals keeps me energised.

Hobbies & Interests:

Outside of work I love traveling, music & going to gigs. Walking and taxiing my kids to sports (time to catch up with them is always welcome).