Ms Gleeson, who is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Inflammatory Bowel Disease @Mercy University Hospital, Co Cork, won the award for her initiative ‘The Implementation of a Nurse Led Vaccination Clinic for Patients Living with IBD’.

Ms Gleeson was presented with her award on 8th April by Howard Simpson MMRII , Senior Medical Liaison Specialist of Dr Falk Pharma Ireland. 

‘Patients over the age of 50 and those on immunosuppressive therapy are at increased risk of contracting Herpes Zoster (Shingles),’ explains Ms Gleeson of her initiative. ‘According to ECCO guidelines, all patients with IBD should receive shingles vaccination before starting treatment with JAK inhibitors to maximise protection against the varicella-zoster virus

‘Our nurse led vaccination clinic started in October 2023 and since then has increased access to shingles vaccine to nearly 200 patients, removing barriers such as cost and reducing the risk of immunocompromised patients contracting shingles and associated co-morbidities. Finally, it has ensured that patients can commence IBD treatment without delay. It has also improve patient satisfaction with the service.’ 

Of winning the Award Ms Gleeson comments: ‘It is deeply meaningful to see our work and commitment to removing barriers to essential care being recognised by this Award and further fuels my commitment to developing innovative services that enhance patient care delivery for equitable healthcare access.’

Sarah Gleeson’s Line Manager, Advanced Nurse Practitioner IBD, Kathleen Sugrue says: ‘Sarah’s project has had a very positive and beneficial impact on patient care at Mercy University Hospital. Sarah showed initiative and leadership in successfully advocating for the availability and implementation of this vaccine for patients living with IBD’