Castlerea native appointed to new role at Portiuncula Hospital
Castlerea native Sarah Ennis who has been appointed an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) in oncology at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe.
A Castlerea native has been appointed to the role of advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) in oncology at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe.
In her new role, Sarah Ennis from Cloonfower, Castlerea, is responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and management of patients receiving oral anti-cancer therapies. She provides care to patients with a wide range of cancers, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, lung, brain and neuroendocrine cancers, and works closely with two consultant medical oncologists in dedicated medical oncology clinics.
The hospital’s oncology department operates as a fully nurse-led service and continues to expand its capacity to meet growing demand. As the department’s second advanced nurse practitioner, Sarah practises independently as part of an experienced multidisciplinary nursing team, including a clinical nurse manager, clinical nurse specialists and staff nurses.
Sarah graduated in General Nursing from Dublin City University in 2014. She began her career as a staff nurse at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, before gaining extensive oncology experience on the oncology ward at University Hospital Galway.
She later worked for two years at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia, across the chemotherapy day unit, medical day assessment unit and clinical trials. On returning to Ireland, she worked at St James’s Hospital, Dublin, on the Denis Burkitt Stem Cell Transplant Unit, and with TCP Homecare.
She joined Portiuncula University Hospital in 2023 as a candidate advanced nurse practitioner in oncology, having completed postgraduate studies in oncology nursing at University College Cork.
During her two-year candidacy, she undertook advanced training in clinical assessment, diagnostics and medication management. This included completion of a Professional Diploma in Prescribing of Medication. She subsequently achieved a Master of Science in Advanced Practice (Nursing) at University College Dublin, enabling her to register and practise as an advanced nurse practitioner.
Commenting on her appointment, Sarah said: “Advanced nursing practice demonstrates the impact highly skilled nurses can have when working autonomously to deliver expert, patient-centred care. My goal is to develop a nurse-led early breast cancer survivorship clinic, enabling patients to access high-quality follow-up care closer to home, in line with national and international guidelines.
“As an advanced nurse practitioner, I practise independently to diagnose, treat and support patients, while managing the side effects and toxicities associated with cancer and its treatment. Providing this level of care locally can make a real and meaningful difference for patients and their families.
“It is also essential to remain engaged with international research and developments in oncology. Attending the recent ESMO Congress in Berlin allowed me to bring the latest evidence and best practice directly to our patients, ensuring our care remains progressive and aligned with current standards.”
Director of nursing at the hospital Mary Mahon welcomed the appointment. She said: “Sarah’s appointment is a significant addition to our nurse-led oncology service. Advanced nursing practice plays a vital role in improving patient access, continuity of care and clinical outcomes, and Sarah’s expertise will further strengthen the comprehensive oncology services available at Portiuncula University Hospital.”
