Tuesday 3 November 2026 | Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin
Categories
Education
Healthcare Education Event of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding healthcare education event that has delivered high-quality learning, meaningful professional development, and measurable educational impact.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible entries may include webinars, conferences, symposia, workshops, hybrid events, or in-person meetings delivered by an organisation, institution, company, or individual. Entries should demonstrate excellence in content, production, engagement, and educational value for healthcare professionals and/or patients.
Education events may include:
- Clinical or therapeutic update meetings
- Research-focused conferences or symposia
- Multidisciplinary educational events
- Patient education seminars or workshops
- Hybrid or digital learning events with interactive elements
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Relevance and Educational Value – Addressing key topics and delivering meaningful, evidence-based content
- Quality of Faculty and Expertise – Inclusion of recognised thought leaders, researchers, or expert speakers
- Impact on Learning and Practice – Contribution to continued professional development or patient education
- Innovation and Forward Thinking – Presentation of new research, emerging trends, or future-focused insights
- Engagement and Knowledge Exchange – Evidence of clear learning outcomes, audience interaction, and networking or collaboration opportunities
Patient Education Project of the Year — Non-Pharmaceutical
This award recognises an outstanding patient or public education project that has improved understanding of health, disease, prevention, or treatment through evidence-based, non-pharmaceutical initiatives.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible entries may be led by patient groups, NGOs, healthcare organisations, educational bodies, or individuals who have delivered campaigns or educational programmes aimed at improving public knowledge and combating health misinformation. The award also recognises efforts to promote scientific literacy and responsible health communication.
Projects may include:
- Public health awareness campaigns
- Disease-specific patient education initiatives
- Anti-misinformation or evidence-based communication campaigns
- Community outreach or digital education programmes
- Initiatives promoting informed decision-making in areas such as vaccination, prevention, or lifestyle health
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Impact on Knowledge and Understanding – Demonstrable improvement in patient or public awareness of a health topic
- Educational Reach and Engagement – Scale of audience reached and effectiveness of communication methods
- Evidence-Based Approach – Promotion of accurate, science-led information and responsible health messaging
- Public Health Impact – Contribution to informed decision-making, prevention, or improved health behaviours
- Sustainability and Ongoing Influence – Potential for continued education, long-term impact, or wider adoption
Patient Education Project of the Year — Pharmaceutical
This award recognises an outstanding patient or public education project that has been established, supported, or delivered by the pharmaceutical industry to improve understanding of health, disease, prevention, or treatment.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible entries may include campaigns, educational programmes, or resources developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals, patient organisations, or advocacy groups. Projects should demonstrate a strong commitment to evidence-based information, responsible communication, and meaningful patient engagement.
Projects may include:
- Disease awareness or treatment education campaigns
- Patient support or information programmes
- Public health communication initiatives
- Digital education platforms or multimedia resources
- Collaborative education initiatives between industry and healthcare stakeholders
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Impact on Knowledge and Understanding – Demonstrable improvement in patient or public awareness of a health topic
- Educational Reach and Engagement – Scale of audience reached and effectiveness of communication methods
- Evidence-Based and Responsible Communication – Clear promotion of scientifically accurate, balanced, and ethical health information
- Public Health Contribution – Encouragement of informed decision-making and proactive engagement with healthcare
- Transparency and Sustainability – Clear governance, responsible industry involvement, and potential for ongoing impact
Initiatives
Cross-border / International Collaboration of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding cross-border or international collaboration that has delivered measurable benefits to patients, healthcare services, or medical knowledge.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible initiatives may include collaborative programmes, research partnerships, shared service models, clinical networks, or joint strategic efforts between organisations in Ireland, Northern Ireland, or internationally. Entries should demonstrate clear outcomes and show how collaboration achieved results that would not have been possible independently.
Initiatives may include:
- Joint clinical service delivery programmes
- Cross-border patient pathways or shared specialist services
- International research and development partnerships
- Educational or training collaborations
- Strategic alliances improving healthcare access or quality
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Patient Benefit and Impact – Demonstrable improvements in patient care, access, or outcomes
- Advancement of Knowledge or Skills – Evidence of enhanced teaching, training, research, or clinical expertise
- System or Cost Efficiency – Measurable savings or efficiencies for one or both health systems
- Service Improvement – Tangible enhancement in medical services or capability
- Sustainability and Ongoing Collaboration – Strength and longevity of the partnership and potential for continued impact
Mental Health Initiative of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding initiative that has advanced mental healthcare, improved access to services, raised awareness, or strengthened support for people living with mental health conditions or substance misuse challenges.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible initiatives may be led by individuals, healthcare teams, organisations, advocacy groups, or companies operating within the Irish healthcare sector. Entries should demonstrate measurable impact in improving quality of care, promoting inclusion, influencing policy, reducing stigma, or supporting mental wellbeing across communities.
Initiatives may include:
- Awareness or anti-stigma campaigns
- Policy development or service reform initiatives
- Research or quality improvement programmes in mental healthcare
- Community-based or early-intervention services
- Programmes improving equity, inclusion, and access to care
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Impact on Awareness and Understanding – Evidence of raising awareness, reducing stigma, or improving public understanding of mental health
- Access and Quality of Care – Demonstrable improvements in access to services, care standards, or patient experience
- Policy or System Influence – Leadership in developing policies, frameworks, or organisational practices that support mental health
- Inclusion and Equity – Advancement of equitable, inclusive support for individuals living with mental health conditions
- Sustainability and Ongoing Impact – Potential for long-term benefit and continued positive influence
Outpatient Care Initiative of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding initiative that has improved the quality, accessibility, or efficiency of care delivered in an outpatient setting.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible initiatives may focus on service redesign, pathway improvements, patient flow optimisation, digital integration, or patient engagement strategies that enhance the outpatient experience and deliver measurable improvements in outcomes or attendance.
Initiatives may include:
- Outpatient service redesign or clinic transformation
- Waiting list reduction or scheduling improvements
- Digital solutions supporting appointment management or virtual clinics
- Patient communication or engagement programmes
- Process improvements enhancing patient flow or convenience
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Service Improvement – Clear and measurable enhancement to outpatient services
- Impact on Patient Outcomes – Demonstrable improvements in clinical results, experience, or quality of care
- Access and Attendance – Evidence of improved attendance rates, reduced barriers to care, or enhanced patient convenience
- Operational Efficiency – Improvements in workflow, waiting times, or resource utilisation
- Sustainability and Scalability – Potential for long-term impact and adoption across other outpatient services
Patient Service Initiative of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding patient service delivered on an outpatient basis that demonstrates excellence in quality, efficiency, and overall patient experience within a primary care or hospital setting.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible initiatives should show how the service delivers meaningful value to patients and the wider community, while also supporting staff development, service improvement, or system efficiency.
Initiatives may include:
- Patient-centred outpatient services
- Specialist clinics or community-based services
- Service models enhancing access or continuity of care
- Education or training elements integrated within patient services
Programmes improving coordination between primary and hospital care
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Patient Benefit and Reach – Demonstrable positive impact on patients and the scale of those benefiting
- Quality and Service Excellence – Clear enhancement of patient experience and care standards
- Benefit to Staff and Service Development – Contributions to staff education, training, or professional development
- Service Improvement – Measurable advancement in medical services or delivery of care
- Sustainability and Community Impact – Long-term value to patients, the healthcare system, and the wider community
Public Health Initiative of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding public health initiative that has delivered measurable and meaningful impact on population health and wellbeing.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible initiatives may be led by healthcare organisations, NGOs, government bodies, public agencies, or cross-sector partnerships. Entries should demonstrate clear objectives, strong implementation, and tangible outcomes that address significant public health challenges or improve long-term health outcomes.
Initiatives may include:
- National or regional health promotion campaigns
- Preventative health programmes
- Screening or early-intervention initiatives
- Community-based health improvement projects
Strategies supporting individuals with chronic or long-term conditions
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Population Impact and Reach – Evidence of widespread engagement and meaningful public health benefit
- Measurable Health Outcomes – Demonstrable improvement in health indicators or behaviours
- Support for Long-term Health Management – Impact on prevention, chronic disease management, or sustained wellbeing
- Effectiveness and Evidence of Success – Clear data or evaluation demonstrating that the initiative achieved its objectives
- Sustainability and Long-term Value – Potential for continued impact and contribution to public health improvement
Sustainability Healthcare Initiative of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding initiative that has reduced the environmental impact of a healthcare organisation while promoting sustainable and responsible practice.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible initiatives may include systems, programmes, operational changes, or service redesigns that reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency, or promote environmental awareness among staff and patients. Entries should demonstrate measurable outcomes and long-term commitment to sustainable healthcare delivery.
Initiatives may include:
- Waste reduction or recycling programmes
- Energy efficiency or carbon reduction strategies
- Sustainable procurement or supply chain improvements
- Green theatre or clinical practice initiatives
- Staff and patient engagement programmes promoting environmental responsibility
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Environmental Impact – Clear and measurable reductions in waste, emissions, or resource consumption
- Awareness and Engagement – Demonstrable improvement in sustainability awareness among staff and/or patients
- Cost-Effectiveness – Evidence of financial savings or improved resource efficiency
- Innovation and Leadership – Originality and leadership in advancing sustainable or socially responsible healthcare practices
- Sustainability and Long-term Impact – Potential for continued environmental benefit and wider adoption across healthcare settings
Community Pharmacy Initiative of the Year - NEW!
This award recognises an outstanding initiative led by a community pharmacy or pharmacy group that has delivered measurable improvements in patient care, public health, or service innovation.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Community pharmacies play a critical frontline role in healthcare delivery, prevention, and patient support. This category celebrates pharmacies that have introduced new services, enhanced patient access, improved medication management, or strengthened community engagement.
Eligible entries may include:
- New clinical or advisory services
- Vaccination or screening programmes
- Medication management or adherence initiatives
- Public health campaigns delivered through pharmacy
- Digital or service innovations improving patient access
- Community engagement or education programmes
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Patient and Community Impact – Demonstrable improvements in patient outcomes, access, or wellbeing
- Innovation and Service Development – Introduction of new or enhanced pharmacy-led services
- Operational Excellence – Effective implementation, efficiency, and service delivery
- Public Health Contribution – Measurable contribution to prevention, screening, vaccination, or education
- Scalability and Sustainability – Potential for wider adoption across the pharmacy sector
Innovation
Best Use of Artificial Intelligence in a Healthcare Setting
This award recognises an outstanding innovation in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) within a healthcare setting that demonstrably improves patient care, clinical outcomes, or service delivery.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible innovations may include AI-enabled systems, tools, platforms, or research applications that enhance diagnosis, treatment, workflow efficiency, decision-making, or patient experience. The deciding factor in this category will be the measurable benefit delivered to patients — whether directly or indirectly.
Innovations may include:
- AI-driven diagnostic or predictive tools
- Clinical decision-support systems
- Workflow optimisation or automation solutions
- AI applications in imaging, pathology, or data analysis
- Research innovations using AI to advance treatment or understanding of disease
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Practical Application – Clear evidence of real-world implementation and measurable improvement in care or efficiency
- Impact – Demonstrable benefits to patients, clinicians, carers, or healthcare services
- Cost and/or Time Savings – Quantifiable efficiencies achieved (where applicable)
- Usability and Integration – Ease of adoption and integration into clinical practice
- Scalability and Sustainability – Potential for expansion, replication, and long-term viability
Best Use of Digital Health & IT
This award recognises an outstanding innovation in digital health or information technology that improves efficiency, enhances service delivery, and delivers better patient care across any healthcare setting.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible innovations may include digital systems, platforms, applications, data solutions, or technology-enabled service redesign that demonstrably improve clinical outcomes, operational performance, patient experience, or resource utilisation.
Innovations may include:
- Electronic health record enhancements or digital integration solutions
- Clinical decision-support tools
- Telehealth or remote monitoring technologies
- Data analytics or AI-enabled innovations
- Digital platforms that improve communication, workflow, or patient engagement
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Practical Application – Clear evidence of real-world implementation and measurable improvement in care or efficiency
- Impact – Demonstrable benefits to patients, clinicians, carers, or healthcare services
- Cost and/or Time Savings – Quantifiable efficiencies achieved (where applicable)
- Usability and Integration – Ease of adoption, user experience, and integration into existing systems
- Scalability and Sustainability – Potential for expansion, replication, and long-term viability
Innovation in Healthcare
This award recognises outstanding innovation across all healthcare settings — including primary care, secondary care, community services, and integrated care — that demonstrably improves the delivery of patient care.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Entries may include new or enhanced services, treatments, technologies, systems, pathways, or models of care that:
- Improve patient outcomes
- Increase efficiency in service delivery
- Reduce costs, waiting times, or unnecessary procedures
- Enhance patient or staff experience
- Address emerging challenges or healthcare crises through innovative solutions
Innovations developed in response to significant healthcare pressures, population changes, or crisis situations will also be considered where teams have demonstrated measurable impact.
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Practical Application – Clear evidence of real-world implementation and measurable improvement in care or efficiency
- Impact – Demonstrable benefits to patients, staff, or the wider healthcare system
- Cost and/or Time Savings – Quantifiable efficiencies achieved (where applicable)
- Usability and Sustainability – Ease of adoption, integration into practice, and long-term viability
- Scalability and Transferability – Potential for replication or expansion across other services or settings
Medical Device, Technology or Service of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding medical device, technology, or service developed or devised in Ireland that has demonstrably improved patient care, enhanced clinical capability, or increased healthcare efficiency.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible innovations may include medical devices, diagnostic or therapeutic technologies, digital or non-digital healthcare solutions, or service models that address unmet patient needs, improve clinical outcomes, or enhance system performance.
Innovations may include:
- Medical or surgical devices
- Diagnostic or therapeutic technologies
- Technology-enabled healthcare services
- Solutions that improve surgical success rates or clinical precision
- Services that enhance access, efficiency, or quality of care
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Patient Benefit and Impact – Demonstrable or clearly evidenced potential improvement in patient outcomes, safety, or wellbeing
- Clinical or Operational Improvement – Measurable enhancement in medical efficiency, success rates, or healthcare capability
- Cost-Effectiveness – Evidence of savings or improved value for the health system
- Innovation and Advancement – The originality of the device, technology, or service and its contribution to advancing healthcare
- Scalability and Sustainability – Potential for wider adoption and long-term impact
Management
Excellence in Healthcare Management
This award recognises outstanding leadership and excellence in healthcare management that has delivered measurable improvements in patient care, service quality, or system performance.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Open to leaders and management teams across the full spectrum of healthcare in Ireland — including hospitals, primary care, community services, and healthcare institutions — this award highlights the critical role of effective management in enabling clinical teams to deliver high-quality outcomes.
Entries should demonstrate strategic leadership, operational effectiveness, and tangible benefits for patients, healthcare professionals, or the wider health system.
Management achievements may include:
- Service redesign or operational transformation
- Workforce leadership and team development
- Efficiency or cost-management initiatives
- Governance, quality, or performance improvement programmes
- Culture change or organisational development initiatives
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Leadership and Strategic Impact – Clear evidence of effective leadership delivering measurable improvement
- Impact on Patient Care or Clinical Outcomes – Demonstrable benefit to patients and/or healthcare professionals
- Operational Effectiveness – Improvements in efficiency, service performance, or resource utilisation
- Innovation in Management Practice – Adoption of forward-thinking or best-practice management approaches
- Sustainability and Organisational Impact – Long-term positive influence on teams, services, or organisational culture
Medical Team of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding medical or surgical team that has delivered exceptional results through effective collaboration, leadership, and clinical excellence.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Open to multidisciplinary medical teams across all healthcare settings, this category celebrates the power of teamwork in improving patient outcomes, service effectiveness, and quality of care. Entries should demonstrate how collective effort, shared responsibility, and strong communication have led to measurable improvements in patient care or service delivery.
Teams must clearly outline the role of different members, cross-specialty collaboration, and how the initiative or service has been implemented and sustained.
Team achievements may include:
- Service improvement or clinical pathway redesign
- Quality or safety enhancement initiatives
- Multidisciplinary collaboration improving patient outcomes
- Efficiency or workflow optimisation
- Integrated care delivery across specialties or services
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Impact on Patient Care and Outcomes – Demonstrable improvements in clinical results, patient safety, or service effectiveness
- Evidence and Measurable Results – Data or clear metrics showing how the team’s work improved care or performance
- Teamwork and Collaboration – Effective utilisation of diverse skills, cross-specialty cooperation, and shared leadership
- Operational Efficiency – Improvements in patient management, workflow, or service delivery
- Culture and Communication – Evidence of strong communication, team spirit, and a collaborative environment that enhances performance
Projects
Hospital Project of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding project developed and delivered within a hospital setting that demonstrably enhances patient care and service delivery.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible projects may be led by hospital doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, multidisciplinary teams, or other hospital-based healthcare staff. Entries should show clear evidence of implementation and measurable impact.
Projects may include:
- Clinical quality improvement initiatives
- Patient safety programmes
- Service redesign or pathway improvements
- Operational or efficiency enhancements
- Innovations that improve patient outcomes, experience, or staff wellbeing
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Practical Application – Clear evidence of real-world implementation and measurable improvement in care or efficiency
- Impact – Demonstrable benefits to patients, staff, or hospital services
- Cost and/or Time Savings – Quantifiable efficiencies achieved (where applicable)
- Usability and Sustainability – Ease of adoption, integration into practice, and long-term viability
- Scalability and Transferability – Potential for replication or adoption in other hospitals
NCHD-Led Project of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding project or initiative led by a Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) that has delivered measurable improvements in patient care, advanced clinical practice, or contributed to scientific understanding.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Entries should demonstrate clear objectives, defined outcomes, and tangible impact — whether through service improvement, quality enhancement, research, or innovation in clinical care.
Projects may include:
- Clinical quality improvement initiatives
- Patient safety or risk-reduction programmes
- Research projects that enhance understanding of disease or treatment
- Service redesign or pathway improvements
- Innovations that improve patient outcomes or clinical decision-making
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Practical Application – Clear evidence of implementation or clinical relevance
- Impact on Patient Care – Demonstrable improvements in patient outcomes, safety, or experience
- Reduction of Risk or Harm – Evidence of reduced pain, complications, or clinical risk (where applicable)
- Scientific or Clinical Contribution – The value and relevance of new knowledge or insights gained
- Sustainability and Replicability – Potential for continuation or adoption in other clinical settings
Nursing & Midwifery Project of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding nursing or midwifery-led project that has delivered measurable improvements in patient care, safety, or service delivery.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Entries may be submitted by an individual nurse or midwife or by a nurse- or midwife-led team. Projects should demonstrate clear objectives, defined outcomes, and tangible results that have positively impacted patients, families, or clinical practice.
Projects may include:
- Clinical quality improvement initiatives
- Patient safety or risk-reduction programmes
- Innovations in patient care delivery
- Practice development initiatives
- Programmes that enhance patient experience or clinical outcomes
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Practical Application – Clear evidence of implementation and defined objectives
- Impact on Patient Care – Demonstrable improvements in patient outcomes, safety, or experience
- Reduction of Risk or Harm – Evidence of reduced pain, risk, complications, or adverse events (where applicable)
- Measurable Outcomes – Clear, quantifiable results achieved
- Sustainability and Replicability – Potential for continuation and adoption in other settings
Patient Advocacy Project of the Year
This award recognises the outstanding work of patient organisations or advocacy groups that have delivered impactful initiatives to educate, empower, and support patients and the wider public in relation to specific diseases or health conditions.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Entries should demonstrate a clear need for the initiative, defined objectives, and measurable outcomes in improving patient or public awareness, understanding, engagement, or wellbeing.
Projects may include:
- Public awareness or education campaigns
- Patient information resources or support programmes
- Advocacy initiatives influencing policy or service provision
- Community outreach or engagement activities
- Programmes that empower patients to better manage their condition
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Demonstrated Need and Purpose – Clear rationale for the project and the issue it aimed to address
- Impact on Knowledge and Awareness – Evidence of improved patient or public understanding
- Reach and Engagement – Demonstration of how widely the initiative was delivered and received
- Impact on Patient Outcomes or Experience – Evidence of meaningful improvement for patients
- Sustainability and Ongoing Influence – Potential for continued impact or long-term advocacy benefit
Research Project/Paper of the Year
This award recognises outstanding research conducted by an individual or group of NCHDs, PhD students in medicine or medicine-aligned sciences, or undergraduate medical students.
Entries must relate to work delivered, implemented, or active between January 2025 and June 2026.
Eligible research may relate to clinical medicine, translational science, quality improvement, medical education or training, enhancement of hospital procedures, or improved communication within healthcare. Projects should demonstrate clear objectives, methodological rigour, and meaningful contribution to patient care or the advancement of medical knowledge.
Projects may include:
- Clinical or translational research studies
- Research identifying new therapeutic or diagnostic targets
- Quality improvement or service evaluation research
- Medical education or training research
- Studies improving clinical processes or interdisciplinary communication
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess entries based on:
- Clinical or Scientific Contribution – The significance and originality of the research and its contribution to medicine or healthcare practice
- Impact on Patient Care or Outcomes – Potential or demonstrated improvements in diagnosis, treatment, safety, or clinical effectiveness
- Applicability and Translation – Relevance and feasibility of applying findings to patient care or broader medical practice
- Methodological Rigour and Depth – Quality, robustness, and depth of the research undertaken
- Relevance and Future Potential – Importance of the work for patients and the wider medical or scientific community