Roscommon University Hospital Appoints New Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Gastroenterology

Roscommon University Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrea Gaborova to the role of Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) in Gastroenterology.

As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in the Endoscopy Unit, Andrea performs a comprehensive range of diagnostic and interventional procedures to aid in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal conditions. Her clinical practice includes the removal of small growths (polyps), obtaining tissue samples (biopsies), haemorrhoid banding, applying haemostatic clips to control bleeding, marking areas for surgical guidance, and identifying pathological changes within the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, Andrea is qualified to prescribe and administer sedation, maintaining the highest standards of patient comfort and safety throughout each procedure. She assesses and manages individuals presenting with digestive symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, fatigue related to low iron levels, abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and rectal bleeding. Andrea also provides ongoing support for patients with long-term gastrointestinal conditions, including coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and Barrett’s oesophagus.

Originally from Slovakia and now living in Edgeworthstown, County Longford, Andrea began her nursing career at the Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Košice, where she worked on a busy trauma ward. There she developed strong clinical skills and a deep appreciation for teamwork, precision and compassionate patient care.

In 2005 Andrea moved to Ireland, joining St Francis Private Hospital in Mullingar as a theatre staff nurse, where she strengthened her technical and procedural expertise and developed her interest in surgical and diagnostic care. In 2014 she joined the Endoscopy Unit at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, caring for both scheduled and emergency cases. It was during this time that Andrea discovered her passion for gastroenterology and was inspired to pursue advanced training as a nurse endoscopist.

Andrea joined Roscommon University Hospital in 2023 as a candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Gastroenterology. During her two-year candidature, she further developed her clinical expertise and successfully completed a Master of Science in Nursing (Advanced Nursing Practice) at the University of Galway, enabling her to register and practice as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

Advanced Nurse Practitioners represent the highest level of clinical expertise within the nursing profession in Ireland today, leading the way in transforming how patients experience healthcare. With an expanded scope of practice and greater clinical autonomy, ANPs are empowered to diagnose, prescribe, and independently manage treatment plans, ensuring faster access to expert care and improved outcomes for patients.

Speaking about her role, Andrea said, “My role is centred on improving access to care, supporting early diagnosis, and ensuring every patient has a clear plan for follow-up and continuity. In addition to my clinical responsibilities, I am actively involved in advancing service development, governance, and quality improvement within the Endoscopy Unit.

“I feel privileged to work with such an excellent team, and to be part of an endoscopy service that has once again achieved JAG accreditation, one of the most respected and innovative quality assurance programmes in healthcare. I am also excited and look forward to being a part of BowelScreen, Ireland’s National Bowel Screening Programme, supporting the early detection and prevention of bowel cancer.

“What matters most to me is that every patient feels listened to, respected, and confident in the care they receive. My vision is to continue building a service that is efficient, evidence-based and compassionate. I believe that advanced nursing practice can make a meaningful difference by combining clinical expertise with empathy, and by delivering high-quality care as close to home as possible.”

Ursula Morgan, Director of Nursing at Roscommon University Hospital welcomed Andrea’s appointment, stating: “We are delighted to see Andrea take on the role of Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Gastroenterology. Her commitment to excellence, patient-centred care and clinical innovation will greatly benefit our service and the patients we serve.

“Andrea’s appointment reflects our continued investment in advanced nursing roles, which are vital in improving access, driving quality and enhancing patient outcomes across our hospital.”