Prof. Patricia Leahy-Warren, bringing perspective on services during the pandemic at COVID-19 Evaluation health focused roundtable

13 Apr 2026

Prof. Patricia Leahy‑Warren participated in a national expert forum reflecting on Ireland’s pandemic response and lessons for future preparedness. The roundtable, held on 31 March 2026, brought together leading Irish and international experts, including Dr. Anders Tegnell, Prof. Mark Woolhouse, Prof. David Heymann and Dr. Mike Ryan, to examine public health decision‑making, non‑pharmaceutical interventions, and health system performance during COVID‑19.

Prof. Patricia Leahy‑Warren participated in a national expert forum reflecting on Ireland’s pandemic response and lessons for future preparedness. The roundtable, held on 31 March 2026, brought together leading Irish and international experts, including Dr. Anders Tegnell, Prof. Mark Woolhouse, Prof. David Heymann and Dr. Mike Ryan, to examine public health decision‑making, non‑pharmaceutical interventions, and health system performance during COVID‑19.

Invited to contribute her expertise on pandemic service delivery, Prof. Leahy‑Warren emphasised the importance of ensuring Public Health Nursing perspectives are included in national reflection and planning. She stated:

“As this process is focused on capturing experiences and lessons learned from across the system, I feel it is really important that the perspectives of the Directors of Public Health Nursing are reflected as part of that discussion.”

During the discussion, she highlighted the central role played by Public Health Nursing services throughout the pandemic, from community‑based assessment and surveillance to supporting vulnerable populations and maintaining essential services under unprecedented strain. She also drew attention to the disruption of preventative services, particularly child growth and developmental checks, and advocated for stronger protection of prevention and community‑based services during future crises.

Prof. Leahy‑Warren’s participation ensures that the leadership, contribution and learning from Public Health Nursing are recognised and embedded in Ireland’s ongoing evaluation of the pandemic and future preparedness planning.

🔗 Watch the roundtable: https://www.covid19evaluation.ie/watch-health-focused-roundtable/
⏱️ Prof. Leahy‑Warren’s contribution begins at approx. 1:51:30.