A Day in the Life blog – Catherine Henry

Hello, I’m Catherine Henry, a Candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner (cANP) in Gynaecology at the Regional Hub for Women’s Health, Nenagh Hospital. I started in November 2022, after many years as a Staff Nurse, Staff Midwife, and Clinical Midwife Manager at University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL). This experience has been invaluable as I settle into the first cANP Gynaecology role in our hospital group, which is aimed at meeting the growing needs of women’s health services in the Mid West region.

Outside of work, I lead a busy family life with my husband and three girls – a 10-year-old and 8-year-old twins. I enjoy playing tennis, walking and catching up with friends.

What a typical working day Involves

Since opening in March 2022, our Ambulatory Gynaecology Unit (AGU) at Nenagh Hospital has cared for more than 3,200 patients. Our dedicated team includes Clinical Nurse Specialists, Clinical Nurse Managers, nurses, sonographers, physiotherapists, HCAs, and administrative support. We run busy clinics five days a week.

As a cANP in Gynaecology, my day is dynamic. I start by meeting patients, conducting thorough assessments, taking detailed histories, performing physical examinations, and reviewing pelvic ultrasound and lab results under the guidance of my clinical lead. This allows me to create personalised treatment plans, which might include medications, referrals, or further tests in the AGU. I emphasise holistic care, educating women about their conditions, discussing treatment options, and providing counselling to ensure they are fully informed.

What I enjoy most about my work

The best part of my job is its variety each day. Whether I’m in the scan clinic or at a procedure, I get to work closely with patients. Building trust and rapport is very rewarding, as it helps empower them to make informed decisions about their health.

My favourite part of my working day is

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a cANP in ambulatory gynaecology is the opportunity to interact with women and make a difference in their lives. I listen to their health concerns and experiences. I provide education and support, and develop treatment plans to meet their individual needs. The patients are so grateful for the care they receive. This close relationship with patients allows me to witness the positive impact of my work on women’s lives, which can be very fulfilling.

My most memorable career moments

Achieving personal careers goals and advancing roles within UL Hospitals Group have been particularly memorable. Recently completing my MSc in Advanced Practice in Nursing at UL was a significant achievement. Looking ahead, I’m eager to begin my PG Certificate in Diagnostic Hysteroscopy & Therapeutic Management at the University of Bradford in September. This will enhance my skills in minimally invasive procedures, leading to better patient outcomes and professional growth. Although balancing these studies with my role as a cANP presents challenges, the benefits for our unit, including improvement of patient experiences and reduction of waiting times, highlights the importance of advancing nursing roles.

Key focus for our team

Our team is focused on developing a one-stop clinic to ensure women receive timely and continuous care. Ambulatory gynaecology allows minimally invasive procedures like diagnostic hysteroscopy (a procedure to examine the inside of the womb) and certain biopsies in an outpatient setting, leading to quicker recovery times and less disruption to patients' daily lives. This is particularly beneficial for women balancing work and family responsibilities.

Education and empowerment are central to ambulatory gynaecology, encouraging women to actively participate in their health. We provide guidance on reproductive health and menopause management, helping women understand their bodies and health better, which ultimately leads to improved outcomes.

By prioritising women's health through ambulatory gynaecology, we enhance access to essential, high-quality, cost-effective care tailored to women’s needs at all stages of life.

Updated 10.06.24