Nursing and Medical - Roles and Uniforms

Director of Nursing

The Director of Nursing is the head of all aspects of our nursing services in University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital. The Assistant Directors of Nursing report directly to the Director Nursing.

Assistant Directors of Nursing

The Asst. Directors of Nursing are in charge of a group of wards and can deal with a problem if you feel the ward staff is unable to do so.  If you wish to speak to them, please ask a member of staff to make an appointment for you.

Clinical Nurse Managers

The Clinical Nurse Manager or Ward Manager or Charge Nurse manages and runs an entire individual ward. You can ask to speak to her or him if you have any questions or worries.

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Clinical Nurse Specialists specialise in a particular area, for example, tissue viability or diabetes or asthma or breast care etc. A patient can be referred for particular and specific advise regarding their illness or disease.

Staff Nurse

Staff Nurses are the largest group of nursing staff employed on a ward and they usually work in teams.  There will be a qualified nurse assigned and responsible for planning your nursing care.  The Staff Nurse is a member of a team of qualified and non-qualified staff looking after you during your hospital stay.  

Student Nurse

Student Nurses, because we are a teaching hospital, may be attached to the medical team looking after you, student doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, radiographers, occupational therapists and other health care workers can also be attached to a medical team. 

You should be asked if you will allow medical students to learn details of your condition.  If you do not want medical students involved, please say so.

Please note:- students of any discipline do not make any decisions regarding your treatment and care.

Ward Clerks

A Ward Clerk works with the nursing staff to answer telephone enquiries and deals with the clerical work of the ward.  

If you need a sick note or outpatient appointment, the ward clerk will arrange them for you.

Ward Attendants

Ward Attendants are members of the ward team who ensure that the ward is kept clean and tidy. 

They also serve the meals with the help of the nursing staff.

Porters

The portering staff in our hospitals is made up of House Porters, Theatre Porters, Department Porters e.g. X Ray and Physiotherapy etc. The House Porters (pictured here) will take you from one department to another for any tests or procedures you might need. 

The Theatre Porters will take you to the operating theatres and bring you back safely to the ward after your operation. A Nurse always accompanies the Theatre Porter when transporting a patient. Theatre Porters wear theatre scrubs.

Dietitians

The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics supports and advises patients who need special diets as part of their treatment or have difficulty in achieving an adequate nutritional intake as a result of illness.  

If you need nutritional advice you will be referred to the service, and either seen while you are in hospital or offered an outpatient appointment. If you would like to see a dietitian, please ask your nurse to refer you.

New uniform - get photo

Pharmacy Team

Many wards have a daily visit from the ward pharmacist and technician.  They make sure that the medication you are taking is prescribed correctly as well as organising medication for you during your stay and discharge.  The pharmacy team is happy to discuss any aspect of your medication.

No formal uniform

Phlebotomists

Phlebotomists are staff trained to take samples of blood from you when this has been requested by the doctor or health professional looking after you.

They visit the wards once a day and will ask your permission before they take your blood sample.

Medical Social Worker

The Medical Social Work Department's duty is providing community care assessments for hospital inpatients to allow them to remain as independent as possible in their own homes.

They can also advise you on any Department of Social Welfare entitlements and allowances you may wish to apply for.  If you think you need to speak to a Social Worker please ask your nurse to refer you.

No formal uniform

Physiotherapists

A Physiotherapist will carry out an assessment and prescribe a treatment programme of exercises for you.  This treatment may be carried out while you are in hospital or after you have been discharged.  This will depend on your individual needs. During your stay you may need to be assessed by a Physiotherapy, if so, the nursing or medical staff will refer you to the Physiotherapy Department. 

Radiographers

Radiographers are part of a team who are responsible for taking your x-rays and scans.  They also carry out other tests and procedures that your doctor or another health care professional may feel you need.

Occupational Therapists

An Occupational Therapist may see you, where appropriate.  The Occupational Therapist will work with you to achieve your maximum level of independence with your normal daily activities.

The role of the Occupational Therapist is to identify equipment and services that you may need on discharge.  This may involve taking you on a home visit to find out what these needs may be.  The aim is to help you to be as safe and independent as possible in your home.

Doctor – Emergency Department

Nurse – Emergency Department

Volunteer

Volunteers are unpaid people who give the hospital part of their free time. They are available in the main reception area to help and assist patients, their relatives and visitors.

The various tasks they undertake are taking people to their ward or department, helping wheelchair users to navigate the hospital, directing visitors to their destination in the hospital etc.

All Volunteers appointed to our hospitals are vetted and must receive Garda clearance.

Security

We have a dedicated security team who work across all our sites to help keep our hospitals safe and secure for our patients, staff and visitors. 

Our security team spend a portion of their time in our designated security surveillance room manning the monitors and viewing the activity around our hospital.

Our security staff wear a blue shirt with epaulettes a navy blue tie and trousers.