Women’s health services at Portiuncula University Hospital have received a significant boost with the appointment of Yvonne Claffey as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in ambulatory gynaecology. Announced by the Health Service Executive (HSE), the move marks another step in expanding faster, more specialist care for women across the West and North West.
According to the HSE, Yvonne Claffey will provide expert care for women with benign gynaecological conditions, supporting patients from initial assessment and diagnosis through treatment and discharge. Her clinical role includes managing abnormal uterine bleeding, including post-menopausal bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding and post-coital bleeding.
Women’s health services expand at Portiuncula University Hospital
The appointment is closely tied to the ongoing development of the hospital’s Ambulatory Gynaecology Unit, which opened in April 2025. The service is designed around a one-stop, see-and-treat model, helping women access consultation, investigations and treatment in a single visit where possible.
This approach can reduce delays, limit repeat appointments and improve the overall patient journey. The HSE said the unit brings together a multidisciplinary team including consultants, advanced nurse practitioners, nursing staff, healthcare attendants and administration teams in a safe and supportive setting.
- Faster access to specialist assessment
- Reduced need for multiple hospital visits
- Lower risk of unnecessary admissions
- Improved patient experience through integrated care
Specialist procedures delivered in ambulatory gynaecology
In her new position, Yvonne Claffey will carry out a range of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. These include transvaginal ultrasound, outpatient hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. She will also provide treatments such as intrauterine device insertion for contraception, support for heavy menstrual bleeding and endometrial protection linked to hormone replacement therapy.
The latest women’s health investment reflects wider public service delivery priorities seen across gov.ie, the Department of the Taoiseach and Health bodies, where improved access, reduced waiting times and community-focused care remain central themes.
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HSE highlights experience behind the new appointment
Yvonne Claffey, originally from Lorrha in County Tipperary, qualified as a Registered General Nurse in 1995 and began her career at Portiuncula University Hospital. She later gained experience in Australia before returning to Ireland in 1997, working in several acute hospitals including the Mater Private Hospital, Nenagh Hospital and Letterkenny University Hospital.
Over more than two decades in acute nursing, she developed expertise in perioperative, theatre and post-operative care. Her academic background includes:
- Higher Diploma in Perioperative Nursing from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
- Bachelor of Nursing Studies from Dublin City University
- Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Limerick
- Further qualifications in gynaecological ultrasound, diagnostic hysteroscopy, prescribing and advanced practice
She joined the ambulatory gynaecology service in 2022 as an Enhanced Staff Nurse and began the three-year Advanced Nurse Practitioner candidacy programme in 2023. She was formally appointed to the ANP role in April 2026.
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What this means for women’s health in the region
The HSE said international evidence supports ambulatory gynaecology models because they improve outcomes and patient experience while reducing unnecessary admissions. Portiuncula University Hospital’s latest appointment is expected to strengthen that model further, giving more women quicker access to specialist diagnosis and treatment.
For patients, the message is clear: women’s health services at Portiuncula University Hospital are continuing to grow, with specialist staff and one-stop care pathways helping deliver more timely support. As the Health Service Executive (HSE) invests further in modern ambulatory care, this appointment stands out as a practical improvement in how women’s health is delivered in the region.
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Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
