Technology and innovation were transforming our world at an extraordinary pace, and while change could be daunting, it was also where the greatest possibilities lay. Marguerite O’Loughlin, Head of Communications and Government Affairs at GSK told the Conference.
“At GSK, our answer is clear – this moment of digital disruption is an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and improve outcomes for patients. Many of you are frontline managers, and it is important for me to say that in GSK we understand the importance of balancing innovation with empathy, data with trust, and systems with human connection.
“Our mission is to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. At GSK, we make a range of almost 150 prescription medicines and vaccines available to patients in Ireland and have operated here for nearly 100 years.
“For us, prevention and partnership are key to our mission, and they align closely with today’s discussions on leadership, resilience, and innovation.
“Let’s start with prevention. As healthcare leaders, we all know that the most effective way to build resilient health systems is to stop disease before it starts. At GSK, we are proud to be one of the world’s leading vaccine manufacturers, helping to protect millions of people from vaccine preventable diseases that would otherwise place enormous strain on health services.
“We are a major supplier to the Childhood Immunisation Programme in Ireland over many years, protecting the smallest of patients against 14 different infectious diseases. We have been innovators in prevention for older adults with vaccines addressing unmet needs in respiratory and viral disease. Partnering with the HSE, DoH and other Health Protection stakeholders to generate sustainable solutions for an older adult immunisation infrastructure to mirror that of Ireland’s exceptional childhood immunisation service. We are not only protecting individual lives but also helping to reduce hospitalisations and the strain on frontline services.
“Beyond our own shores, as a Global Health citizen, GSK has innovated in prevention in tropical disease bringing the first malaria vaccine to those who need it most. This vaccine is now part of routine immunisation programmes in several African countries.
“But prevention isn’t just about vaccines. Our commitment to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a growing threat in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world—is another example of how we are working to safeguard the future of healthcare. Through innovation in antibiotics and partnerships with governments and organisations worldwide, we’re addressing this silent pandemic head-on.”
Ms. O’Loughlin said that in this volatile world, prevention wasn’t just about managing known risks—it was about anticipating future threats. Whether it was preparing for pandemics, addressing antimicrobial resistance, or tackling chronic conditions, GSK was committed to leveraging science and technology to stay ahead of emerging health challenges.
“But we can’t solve these challenges alone and that’s wherepartnership comes in. At GSK, we believe that collaboration is critical to driving meaningful change in healthcare. Whether it’s working with governments to expand access to vaccines, partnering with healthcare providers to improve patient pathways, or embracing digital innovations to deliver better outcomes, we are committed to being part of sustainable solutions.
“We’re also embracing cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation. Take our partnership with 23andMe in the United States, where we have leveraged genetic data to accelerate the discovery of new medicines and treatments. By combining data-driven insights with our scientific expertise, we are exploring new frontiers in precision medicine that could transform the way we treat diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
“In oncology, we are working with Tempus (a precision medicine biotech) and King’s College London to match the right patient to the right treatment at the right point of disease. We are replicating ‘clinical conditions’ using tumour models (organoids) alongside digital pathology and AI to increase our speed and probability of success early in development.
“Or closer to home, GSK Ireland are continuing to invest in patient support programmes. We have partnered with GP surgeries to enhance the existing chronic disease management programme, we have an ongoing patient support programme for severe asthma patients, and will have another commencing soon for HIV patients. By partnering and providing tailored support and resources, we are helping to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
“As healthcare managers and leaders, you are at the forefront of ensuring that innovation translates into tangible benefits for patients. This requires not only operational excellence but also the ability to lead through uncertainty, inspire teams, and foster resilience. At GSK, we recognise the importance of people-centred leadership in today’s complex environment. That’s why we are embedding psychological safety, inclusion, and flexibility into our own organisational culture. We know that diverse and empowered teams are essential for driving innovation and delivering the best outcomes for patients.
“In these volatile and uncertain times, we must not forget climate change and sustainability. Climate change and nature loss are changing the spread and burden of disease and are an urgent threat to human health globally. In Ireland, there is great work ongoing by the HSE, and all of you, in making the HSE Climate Strategy become a reality. We are also playing our part and have met with the HSE recently to outline our commitment to a net zero, nature positive, healthier planet with ambitious goals set for 2030 and 2045 and how we will get there.”
