Hospitals and Health Care
Consumer Services
Manufacturing
Professional Services
Retail
Technology, Information and Media
Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
Entertainment Providers
Education
Financial Services
Active

Pat O Donnell

Health Innovation, System Thinker, Business Development & Stakeholder Partnership Specialist

About Me

Background in Health innovation, patient journey and system transformations with deep experience across neurology, acute hospital services, chronic disease pathways, and life sciences. Combines Stanford Biodesign based training (University of Galway BioInnovate Fellow) with 20+ years of working alongside clinicians, health system leaders and industry to identify unmet needs, redesign pathways, and deliver improved patient outcomes. Brings an entrepreneurial, partnership driven mindset, proven ability to co-create solutions with diverse system stakeholders, and a track record of translating insights into measurable outcomes. Operates as a trusted partner, strategic thinker and facilitator who can navigate complexity, align interests and drive high-value initiatives across the full patient journey. Recognised for integrity, coaching and relationship-building, and for enabling cross-functional teams to innovate, experiment and continuously improve care delivery.

Jurisdiction

Ireland | Germany | France | Spain | Netherlands | Denmark | United Kingdom | Portugal | Luxembourg | Belgium | Austria

Notable Employer

  • BioInnovate Fellow Neurology (Innovation, Patient Needs & Journey Analysis) at BioInnovate Ireland

Experience

Seniority LevelExecutive
Years of Experience20+ years
Current StatusActive
BioInnovate Fellow Neurology (Innovation, Patient Needs & Journey Analysis)NotableBioInnovate Ireland
2023 - 2024

Immersed in neurology, stroke, interventional neuroradiology, Parkinson’s and rehabilitation pathways across Irish hospital and community settings. Conducted end-to-end patient-journey assessments, revealing unmet needs affecting outcomes, quality and continuity of care. Used the BioDesign methodology to validate needs with clinicians, patients and system stakeholders, ensuring alignment and shared purpose. Developed early strategic plans, funding applications, engagement with public and private investors, opportunity assessments, value case and pitches for start up medical devices. Engaged external partners through interviews, shadowing and co-creation workshops, bringing ‘’outside in’’ insights. Presented findings and concepts weekly to clinical and industry mentors, incorporating feedback into iterative solution development.

Senior Consultant Healthcare, Pharma, Life SciencesLeading Edge Group
2025 - Present

Partnered with major Irish and international healthcare systems and life sciences organisations to improve patient care pathways and operational performance. Designed and delivered major patient pathway improvements using patient mapping and staff engagement, reducing waiting times and increasing access. Led clinical transformation projects in Oncology, Haematology, Endocrinology, Hepatology, Cardiology and other clinical specialties. Facilitated multidisciplinary teams, unions, clinical leaders and managers to reach agreement on shared improvements. Conducted Value Stream and Journey Mapping across multiple European hospitals to identify efficiency, capacity and patient-experience opportunities.

Operational Excellence ManagerElectronic Arts
2017 - 2020

Led customer journey-mapping and experience improvement initiatives across a large, multi-site global organisation. Facilitated problem-solving and change across diverse functions, balancing conflicting needs while maintaining strategic clarity. Built and coached a high-performing team, fostering a growth mindset and capability development. Experienced in navigating complex stakeholder environments and acting as a trusted partner in customer facing decision making.

Director of Operational Excellence & Business Development (Ireland & Europe)Leading Edge Group
2021 - 2023

Responsible for Irish and European Sales and Marketing, new business development and client relationship management. Budget development, sales targets. Led transformation programmes across hospitals, health systems and life science organisations focused on improved patient pathways, access, workforce allocation and service efficiency. Partnered directly with clinical leaders, management teams, and industry stakeholders to co-create solutions grounded in patient and customer value. Developed strategic plans, tenders and proposals aimed at improving patient experience and system performance. Board Director contributing to long-term organisational strategy and governance. Delivered a European healthcare technology evaluation project assessing clinical, operational and patient-outcome benefits. Strong record of bringing external insights into strategic design, ensuring solutions were evidence-based, sustainable and aligned to stakeholder priorities.

Senior Consultant Healthcare, Pharma, Life SciencesLeading Edge Group
2003 - 2017

Partnered with major Irish and international healthcare systems and life sciences organisations to improve patient care pathways and operational performance. Designed and delivered major patient pathway improvements using patient mapping and staff engagement, reducing waiting times and increasing access. Led clinical transformation projects in Oncology, Haematology, Endocrinology, Hepatology, Cardiology and other clinical specialties. Facilitated multidisciplinary teams, unions, clinical leaders and managers to reach agreement on shared improvements. Conducted Value Stream and Journey Mapping across multiple European hospitals to identify efficiency, capacity and patient-experience opportunities.

Education

Degree of BioInnovationUniversity of Galway Ireland
2023 - 2024
Diploma of MarketingTechnological University of the Shannon (TUS)
2020 - 2021
Degree of Industrial Engineering & Information SystemsUniversity of Galway Ireland
1991 - 1995

Skills

Core skills0
Languages3

Languages

English
Spanish
French