For over a decade, UCD Health Systems and the Mater Lean Academy have been pioneering the embedding of a Person-centred Lean Six Sigma approach in healthcare, empowering staff to implement meaningful, sustainable improvements. Since 2013, we have collaborated with 58 healthcare organisations, supporting over 4,000 healthcare professionals in driving staff-led changes that have enhanced patient care and workplace experiences (see the impacts section of the application).
A key element of our work is the Annual National Lean Healthcare Symposium, which provides a platform for healthcare professionals, researchers, and service users to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and reflect on the impact of Person-centred Lean Six Sigma in healthcare. This event complements our masterclass series, which brings together leading national and international experts to share insights on process improvement.
The 11th Symposium, held last year, was a landmark event. With crucial funding support from the Health Research Board (HRB), we secured a high-quality venue that enabled more than 250 healthcare professionals to attend in person and 90 more to join via live stream. We were honoured to have Minister Paschal Donohoe deliver the opening address, underscoring the importance of collaboration in strengthening healthcare services.
Over the years, the Symposium has grown beyond an annual event—it has become a cornerstone of our Lean Healthcare Community of Practice (LCOP), fostering a dynamic network of professionals committed to continuous improvement. Each year, we welcome thought leaders from Ireland and abroad, but the real impact comes from frontline staff who share their work and demonstrate the tangible benefits of Lean methodologies in real-world healthcare settings.
As we prepare for the 12th Annual National Lean Healthcare Symposium, we look forward to building on this momentum, welcoming new voices, and further deepening the impact of Lean in healthcare.