“I am committed to delivering evidence-based care that helps reduce waiting times and helps patients return home with confidence,” according to Ciaran Callaghan, who was recently appointed as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Emergency Care (ANP) at Letterkenny University Hospital.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues to further develop the service and ensure people across Donegal can access high-quality care close to home.”
Ciaran works across the Injuries Assessment and Treatment Pathway in the Emergency Department, a service established in 2022 to support the timely delivery of high-quality care for patients presenting with minor injuries.
In his role, Ciaran assesses, diagnoses and treats a wide range of injuries in patients over two years of age. These include non-life or non-limb threatening conditions and non-complex soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, suspected fractures of the arm or leg, minor burns and scalds, cuts and lacerations, and the removal of foreign objects from the nose, eyes or ears.
He provides comprehensive, autonomous care throughout the patient journey, including clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, prescribing, referral, follow-up and discharge. Where appropriate, Ciaran can refer patients directly to specialist services including Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Frailty Services.
Explaining how, since the beginning of his career, he had a strong interest in emergency care and injury management, Ciaran noted how:
“delivering timely and effective treatment for patients with minor injuries can significantly improve both their experience and recovery.”
Ciaran has become the third Advanced Nurse Practitioner appointed to the Injury Assessment and Treatment Pathway, playing a pivotal role in the ANP-led service. The pathway allows patients with appropriate presentations to be quickly assessed and treated, combining efficiency with a person-centred approach. The service delivers high-quality, dependable care for minor injuries, while enhancing access to prompt, local care for people across Donegal.
After graduating from the University of Stirling in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing, Ciaran began his career as a Staff Nurse in the Emergency Department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert, Scotland. In 2017, he returned to his native Killygordon, County Donegal, joining the Emergency Department at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. He later moved to the Emergency Department at Letterkenny University Hospital, where he worked as a Staff Nurse before progressing to Clinical Nurse Manager.
During this time, Ciaran completed a Certificate in Emergency Care at Atlantic Technological University, Letterkenny, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Emergency Care) at the University of Galway. With six years’ experience in emergency and patient-centred care, Ciaran was appointed to the role of candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Emergency Care, bringing him closer to his goal of specialising in the assessment and management of minor injuries.
During his two-year candidacy, he completed a Professional Certificate in Referring for Radiological Procedures at University College Dublin and a Master of Science in Advanced Practice (Nursing) at the University of Galway, enabling him to register and practise as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
Advanced Nurse Practitioners represent the highest level of clinical expertise within the nursing profession in Ireland. With expanded scope of practice and increased clinical autonomy, ANPs are authorised to assess, diagnose, prescribe and independently manage patient care, improving access to specialist services and enhancing patient outcomes.
Welcoming Ciaran to his new role, Una Cardin, Director of Nursing at Letterkenny University Hospital noted how “this appointment strengthens our Injuries Assessment and Treatment Pathway and supports faster access to safe, effective and person-centred care for patients.
“Ciaran’s extensive experience, advanced clinical expertise and commitment to high-quality care will be a valuable asset to our Emergency Department and to the patients and communities we serve.”