Laois woman graduates to be a 'fully-fledged Patient Champion'

A Laois woman who had open heart surgery has graduated as a Patient Champion for Ireland's national heart and stroke charity.

Olivia McLoughlin Sweeney, who lives in Ballaghmore, had open heart surgery earlier 2025 which inspired her to volunteer to help others like her.

She participated in an Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) programme to help others who have suffered cardiac problems and stroke - and is now a fully-fledged Patient Champion.

“The programme has given me the confidence to share my story and turn recovery into advocacy,” said Olivia in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

The Foundation says its Patient Champions programme is free of charge, delivered online and accessible to patients with a heart or stroke diagnosis throughout Ireland.

It teaches heart and stroke patients about the advocacy methods and channels open to them, to try and bring about better outcomes for themselves and other patients, especially in the area of political lobbying, patient representation in healthcare, and advocating to the public.

It also aims to drive awareness of the need for donations, which helps the foundation to continue such training and to help support people who have had their lives affected by heart disease and stroke.

The Laois woman was among the latest group of Patient Champions to graduate from the programme recently.

Advocacy Campaign Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation, Pauline O’Shea, described people like Olivia as the unsung heroes of the organisation.

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“They are a terrific addition, their lived experience and desire to help others and the organisation speak out about significant issues that affect heart and stroke patients is a powerful combination for working for positive change for patients.

“Patients no longer want their involvement in advocacy to be represented by occasions of being ‘wheeled out’ to speak and then being expected to leave the room while everyone else makes the decisions.

“They want to feel empowered, appreciated, supported and treated as equals in the room, and in partnership with patient organisations and healthcare decision makers.

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“We are now recruiting for our Patient Champions Programme in 2026, and we welcome heart and stroke patients from all over Ireland to apply,” she said.

To become a Patient Champion, visit www.irishheart.ie/patientchampions

To find out more about the Irish Heart Foundation or to donate, visit www.irishheart.ie