John Sweeney joins judging panel for Private Healthcare Awards 2026

John Sweeney, CEO of Health Care Informed (HCI) and MAPS Digital Solutions, has been appointed to the judging panel for the Private Healthcare Awards 2026, bringing more than three decades of experience across healthcare quality, patient safety, governance, regulation, and digital transformation to the evaluation process.

Sweeney leads two organisations operating at the intersection of healthcare intelligence and digital innovation, a dual remit that reflects the breadth of a career built on translating complex systemic challenges into practical standards and solutions. That career has spanned frontline quality improvement, international accreditation, regulatory development, and the governance frameworks that underpin safe, accountable healthcare delivery.

Before establishing HCI, he served as Director of Research and Development with the Irish Health Services Accreditation Board, or the body that preceded HIQA, where he led the development and international accreditation of national healthcare standards. He also held the distinction of serving as the first Director of the Irish Society for Quality and Safety in Healthcare, a role that placed him at the founding of Ireland's organised approach to clinical quality.

His credentials extend internationally. An ISQua Expert and former Board member, he has supported healthcare organisations and regulators across multiple countries, and holds an honorary lectureship with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

That combination of foundational institution-building, cross-jurisdictional regulatory experience, and ongoing engagement with digital health positions Sweeney to assess entries with rigour, particularly those addressing quality frameworks, patient safety infrastructure, and technology-enabled care.

The Private Healthcare Awards 2026 gala will take place on 2 October 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport. Entries remain open until 3 July 2026.

Visit the official Private Healthcare Awards website to explore categories, review past winners, and submit your entry.