It continues to be a truly inspiring time for Irish Health and Social Care, writes Caroline O’Regan, Hon. Editor, HMI and Executive Development Specialist, Graduate School of Healthcare Management at the Royal College of Surgeons.
In a powerful moment of progress, leadership and culture change, Ms. Mellany McLoone, IHA Manager, Dublin North City & West and Ms. June Stanley, Chief Executive of the National Rehabilitation Hospital, along with her Board in Dun Laoghaire, have become the first female HSE leaders in Ireland to sign the Compassionate Leadership Pledge. Their commitment is a bold and uplifting signal that compassion and inclusion are firmly taking root at the highest levels.
Joining them in this milestone are Dr. Ethel Ryan and Ms. Angela Hughes, who have signed the pledge on behalf of the Clinical Director Programme, further amplifying Ireland’s growing dedication to embedding compassion across all levels of the health and social care system.
These pioneering leaders now join an ever-expanding community of international health professionals committed to nurturing compassionate, inclusive cultures — making this not just an Irish initiative, but part of a powerful, positive global movement.
What is the Compassionate Leadership Pledge — and Why Does It Matter?
Ireland’s health and social care sector is the country’s largest employer, and its professionals play a vital role in people’s lives — from birth to end-of-life care. As the world grapples with staff shortages, system pressures, and the long-term effects of the pandemic, there has never been a more urgent call to transform organisational cultures from within.
The Compassionate Leadership Pledge is a bold commitment by individuals, teams, and organisations to foster cultures rooted in empathy, collaboration, and purposeful action. Compassionate leadership means tuning into the needs of others (attending) listening deeply (understanding) responding with empathy (Empathy) , showing respect, and working collectively to bring about positive change (Helping).
Why It Works — The Evidence
Two decades of research confirm the power of compassion in care. Compassionate leadership is directly linked to:
- Higher-quality, continuously improving care
- Greater staff retention and well-being
- Improved patient satisfaction
- Reduced avoidable harm and mortality
- Better financial performance
(Sources: Compassionomics and The King’s Fund)
Ireland Joins a Global Wave of Change
This global movement began with NHS Wales, Prof. Michael West and Helen Thomas HEIW — the first nation to sign and adopt the Compassionate Leadership Pledge. Ireland now proudly joins this wave of progress, with leaders across the country committing to model and build compassionate and inclusive workplaces.
There are three pathways to take part:
- Individual – Reflect on how you personally embody compassionate principles in your role.
- Team/Department – Collaborate as a team to intentionally embed compassion into your shared culture.
- Organisation – Executives and senior leaders can sign on behalf of the organisation to set the tone from the top.
Be Part of the Movement
Signing the pledge gives you access to a Compassionate Leadership Pledge Template Pack, filled with resources and tools to help you and your team take practical, meaningful action.
👉 Click here to sign the pledge and learn more.
