Mayo nurse is part of critical care outreach service at Letterkenny University Hospital

Mayo nurse Lisa McHugh is part of Letterkenny University Hospital’s Critical Care Outreach (CCO) service which is playing a pivotal role in improving the early detection and management of deteriorating patients, strengthening patient care and safety and providing vital support to clinical teams across the hospital.

Established in March 2023 and led by two Advanced Nurse Practitioners - Lisa McHugh, and Galway native Gráinne Nee, the service supports patients in the hospital who are identified as being at high risk of clinical deterioration, including changes in respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure or level of consciousness.

Lisa McHugh, originally from Carnacon, qualified with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Letterkenny in 2009. She began her nursing career at Letterkenny University Hospital in the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit before relocating to the United Kingdom, where she gained extensive experience in emergency and critical care. Her UK career included posts in the Emergency Department at East Surrey Hospital and the Intensive Care Unit at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. During this period, Lisa also became part of a developing Critical Care Outreach team, gaining early experience in the specialty.

After more than a decade working in London, Lisa returned to Letterkenny University Hospital in 2023 to take up the role of candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Critical Care Outreach. Following a two-year candidacy, and a Master of Science in Advanced Practice (Nursing) at the University of Galway, Lisa registered as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP). Lisa said: “Our focus is on ensuring patients move safely and smoothly from intensive care to the ward. We work closely with staff across the hospital to support recovery, build confidence in recognising deterioration, and strengthen overall patient safety.”