Sinead Creedon
Research Profile
Sinead Creedon
Contact Details
Lecturer, School of Public Health
School of Public Health
Western Gateway Building
University College Cork
E: screedon@ucc.ie
School of Public Health
Western Gateway Building
University College Cork
E: screedon@ucc.ie
Public Health
University College Cork
Cork
Ireland
T: +353-21-490-3000
E: SCreedon@ucc.ie
Biography
Sinéad Creedon is an Infection Prevention and Control specialist who joined UCCs School of Public Health in 2021 as a Lecturer. She is also a PhD scholar in the School of Public Health.
Experience
Sinéad has a varied background in general nursing but her main clinical background & experience lies in Infection Prevention & Control (IPC), Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine, and Quality Patient Safety. She has extensive experience in IPC leadership and behaviour change. She also has a law degree and a wealth of experience in quality patient safety and human factors. Sinead has a Masters in Applied Psychology (positive and coaching psychology) and coaches medical and nursing personnel on burnout, leadership and strengths. She also has a keen interest in One Health and has more recently developed an interest in Artificial Intelligence in IPC.
Sinéad held the post of Infection Prevention & Control Clinical Nurse Specialist in the HSE during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she was also instrumental in coordinating the Peer Vaccination Programmes for both Influenza and Covid-19.
Experience
Sinéad held the post of Infection Prevention & Control Clinical Nurse Specialist in the HSE during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she was also instrumental in coordinating the Peer Vaccination Programmes for both Influenza and Covid-19.
Sinéad Creedon is an Infection Prevention and Control specialist who joined UCCs School of Public Health in 2021 as a Lecturer. She is also a PhD scholar in the School of Public Health.
Experience
Sinéad has a varied background in general nursing but her main clinical background & experience lies in Infection Prevention & Control (IPC), Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine, and Quality Patient Safety. She has extensive experience in IPC leadership and behaviour change. She also has a law degree and a wealth of experience in quality patient safety and human factors. Sinead has a Masters in Applied Psychology (positive and coaching psychology) and coaches medical and nursing personnel on burnout, leadership and strengths. She also has a keen interest in One Health and has more recently developed an interest in Artificial Intelligence in IPC.
Sinéad held the post of Infection Prevention & Control Clinical Nurse Specialist in the HSE during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she was also instrumental in coordinating the Peer Vaccination Programmes for both Influenza and Covid-19.
Experience
Sinéad held the post of Infection Prevention & Control Clinical Nurse Specialist in the HSE during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she was also instrumental in coordinating the Peer Vaccination Programmes for both Influenza and Covid-19.
Research Interests
Infection Prevention & Control
IPC Leadership
Behaviour Change & Management in IPC
Quality Patient Safety
IPC Leadership
Behaviour Change & Management in IPC
Quality Patient Safety
Global pandemics and outbreak management
Burnout in Infection Control Practitioners
Wellbeing interventions for healthcare workers
Psychological support and resilience for frontline healthcare workers
Psychological support and resilience for frontline healthcare workers
Research Grants
Successfully co-awarded funding of 10,880 from Department of Public Health HSE South to create and facilitate the Safe Patient Care conference focusing on Risk Assessment in Infection Prevention - held 23rd June 2023.Successfully co-awarded 4,950 from Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet in 2024 to conduct a Competency-based Evaluation of a Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control, from 2020 2023.
Applied for the 2025 International APIC Graduate Student Awards (AGSA) ($5,000), in January 2025. This award supports research and quality improvement efforts that advance infection prevention and evidence-based implementation science. Pending final decision.
Book Chapters
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2025) | 'Health Protection Essentials of Communicable Diseases'
Creedon S, Smiddy M, Morgan K. (2025) 'Health Protection Essentials of Communicable Diseases' In: Public Health Essentials for Paramedics. UK: Class Publishing. [Details] |
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | 'Burnout in Infection Control Practitioners During Public Health Crisis Events: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Protocol'
Creedon S, Trace A, Arensman E, Smiddy MP (2024) 'Burnout in Infection Control Practitioners During Public Health Crisis Events: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Protocol'. 7 (69) [ Publisher's Version] [DOI] [Details] |
Other Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2025) | 'Burnout in Infection Prevention: The Silent Crisis We Must Confront'
Sinead Creedon (2025) 'Burnout in Infection Prevention: The Silent Crisis We Must Confront' . [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
|
| (2024) | 'From Protection of Sacrificial Self to Critical Turning Points and Growth: Nurses Experiences of Caring for Patients on the Frontline in Ireland during the COVID-19 Pandemic'
Creedon S, Trace A (2024) 'From Protection of Sacrificial Self to Critical Turning Points and Growth: Nurses Experiences of Caring for Patients on the Frontline in Ireland during the COVID-19 Pandemic' . [ Publisher's Version] [DOI] [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | 20th Annual Psychology Health and Medicine Conference 2024
Creedon S, Trace A, Arensman E, Smiddy MP (2024) Burnout in Infection Control Practitioners During Public Health Crisis Events: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Protocol 20th Annual Psychology Health and Medicine Conference 2024 [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
|
| (2023) | Teaching and Learning Showcase, University College Cork
Smiddy MP, Kelly C, Killeen C, Arnott J, Barry F, Creedon S (2023) A Competency based Evaluation of a Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control, 2020 2023 Teaching and Learning Showcase, University College Cork [ Publisher's Version] [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2023) | Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Conference
Creedon S, Trace A (2023) From Protection of Sacrificial Self, to Critical Turning Points and Growth: Nurses' Experiences of Caring for Patients on the Frontline in Ireland during the COVID-19 Pandemic Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Conference Dublin (Online), [ Publisher's Version] [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2023) | Teaching and Learning Showcase, University College Cork (UCC)
Creedon S (2023) A Professional Practice Competency based Evaluation and Reflection of Student Learning in a Level 9 Infection Prevention & Control Module Teaching and Learning Showcase, University College Cork (UCC) [ Publisher's Version] [DOI] [Details] |
Electronic Article
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2021) | Cork University Maternity Hospital: COVID-19 Vaccinators.
Sinead Creedon (2021) Cork University Maternity Hospital: COVID-19 Vaccinators. UltraNews eNewsletter of Ireland South Women & Infants Directorate. Issue 11, Spring 2021: Electronic Article [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
|
| (2020) | Shot on the Spot, the CUMH influenza peer vaccination campaign.
Sinead Creedon (2020) Shot on the Spot, the CUMH influenza peer vaccination campaign. UltraNews eNewsletter of Ireland South Women & Infants Directorate. Issue 6, Autumn 2020: Electronic Article [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Awarded a certificate of completion for a Nature Masterclass - Focus on Peer Review | Nature | |
| 2024 | Awarded certificate of attendance for the UNIC Open Science Summer and Expert Panel Discussion | UNIC European University | |
| 2023 | Awarded a certificate of completion for Sustainable Development Goals Summer School | Ignite: University College Cork | |
| 2023 | Awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education (for third-level teachers) (Online) | University College Cork | |
| 2023 | Awarded with "Best Oral Presentation Award" by the Program Committee for the 'Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Conference' in Dublin | International Scientific Committee ICPPW 2023 | |
| 2022 | Current Leaders Level 2 | University College Cork | |
| 2022 | Digital Badge: The Connected Curriculum and You | University College Cork | |
| 2022 | MA Applied Psychology (Positive & Coaching Psychology) MAAPP. Grade: 1:1 | University College Cork | |
| 2021 | Digital Badge: Staff SPEAK | University College Cork | |
| 2021 | HSE Peer Vaccination Seasonal Influenza Award - 2nd place Hospital Setting | HSE | |
| 2000 | LLB Honours Law Degree. Grade: 2:1 | University of West London |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2023) | Safe Patient Conference,
Creedon S, Trace A (2023) Assessing the Present and Planning for the Future Risk and Infection Prevention and Control 2023. [Poster Presentation], Safe Patient Conference, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork , 24-AUG-23 - 24-AUG-23. [Details] |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Association for Coaching | A global organisation that inspires and champions coaching excellence, to advance the coaching profession and make a sustainable difference to individuals, organizations and society. | 02-DEC-19 / | |
| Association for Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology (APIC) | Engagement with society activities meeting and webinars and regularly meet online with the research team. | 04-NOV-24 / | |
| Q Member with The Health Foundation | I am a member of Q, a community of thousands of people across the UK and Ireland collaborating to improve the safety and quality of health and care. | 19-JAN-23 / | |
| Infection Prevention Society (IPS) - Ireland branch | I attend the scheduled Ireland Branch meetings and contribute to national guidance in relation to IPC. | 01-AUG-10 / | |
| Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) | The regulatory body for nursing and midwifery in Ireland | 01-APR-94 / |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA) | Team Member | / | |
| Athena Swan Committee, School of Public Health | Athena Swan staff working group member | / | |
| Teaching and Curriculum Committee - School of Public Health | Participating member as an academic programme director | / | |
| School Executive Committee - School of Public Health | Participating member as an academic programme director | / | |
| Chairperson of the Health, Safety & Wellbeing Committee - School of Public Health | Chairperson | / |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School of Public Health, University College Cork | Lecturer and Academic Coordinator PG Certificate in Infection prevention & Control | 01-NOV-21 / | |
| Health Service Executive (HSE) | Infection Prevention & Control Clinical Nurse Specialist | 01-AUG-20 / 31-OCT-21 | |
| Coaching Works, Cork | Director | 01-SEP-19 / | |
| Apple European Medical Centre, Hollyhill, Cork | Clinical Lead | 04-JAN-16 / 30-AUG-20 | |
| Various General Practices in the Cork Metropolitan Area | GP Practice Nurse | 05-MAY-14 / 04-JAN-16 | |
| Mater Private Hospital Cork (formerly Shanakiel Hospital) | Senior Staff Nurse - Operating Theatre | 03-OCT-11 / 26-APR-15 | |
| Langford Hall medical centre, Cork City | CNM 2 GP Practice Nurse | 01-SEP-06 / 01-OCT-11 | |
| South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork | CNM 2 Infection Prevention & Control | 02-SEP-02 / 11-JUN-06 | |
| Regional Unit for Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine, North West London Hospital (Northwick Park) | Staff Nurse and Clinical Nurse Manager -Regional Unit for Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine | 02-SEP-94 / 31-MAY-01 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | University College Cork | Masters Applied Psychology Coaching | Applied Psychology: Positive & Coaching Psychology | |
| 2023 | University College Cork | Post Graduate Certificate Teaching & Learning | Teaching & Learning | |
| 2022 | University College Cork | CPD1678 - Research Skills Training Programme | UCC Research Skills Training Programme | |
| 2019 | Cork Chamber Skillnet | QQ1 Level 6 - Certificate in Leadership Coaching | Certificate in Leadership Coaching | |
| 2014 | Dundee University | Post Graduate Higher Certificate (Level 9) - Advanced Practice (Infection Prevention & Control) | Advanced Practice (Infection Prevention & Control) | |
| 2000 | University of West London | LLB Hons Law | Law | |
| 1996 | University of West London | ENB 501 -Infectious Disease & Tropical Medicine | Infectious Disease & Tropical Medicine | |
| 1996 | University of West London | ENB 998 - Teaching & Assessing in Clinical Practice | Teaching & Assessing in Clinical Practice | |
| 1994 | Cork Regional Hospital School of Nursing | Registered General Nurse | Nursing |
Outreach Activities
| Description | |
|---|---|
Sinéad volunteered and coached frontline workers throughout the pandemic with Connect A Coach |
|
Was invited to join the UCD One Health Centre (WHO designated One Health Centre) as a member in December 2024, to collaborate on research projects across the EU |
|
The EU-funded project Supporting Professionals and Academics for Community Engagement in Higher Education (SPACE) is organising a short trainings series to explore essential topics related to the design, implementation, and integration of community-engaged practices into academic curricula. |
|
Engagement with society activities meeting and webinars and regularly meet online with the research team. |
|
I attend monthly online meetings where professionals working in prevention of infectious diseases, come together driven by the shared goal of integrating social and behavioural sciences in public health roles. E.g., Attended Behavioural Science in Action: Understanding Vaccine Acceptance and Uptake on Thursday 12 December 2024 |
|
I completed the UNIC Summer School in June 2024 in relation to Open Science. I attended four round table expert panel discussions as well as two workshops on Open Innovation and Science Communication & Public Engagement. This enabled me to gain a comprehensive understanding of Open Science and learn how to integrate OS techniques into my own research. |
|
Active member of the Infection Prevention Society (IPS). Attend branch meetings and attend webinars and seminars online. |
|
Continuous Improvement Action Network - UCC Details of Engagement: New action network group set up in UCC where people from all departments volunteer to come together regularly to generate ideas for innovative and improvements together as part of a supported environment. The group also seeks opportunities to see if there are potential efficiencies for cross-functional initiatives. For example, we are currently exploring ways to improving uptake of Outlook Calendar and the scheduling function to create efficiencies for end users (staff and students) Duration: Ongoing |
|
Q Community - The Health Foundation Active Member of SIG: Quality Improvement and the wellbeing of the workforce. A self organising space where members can post comments, ask for views on a piece of work, share links and resources which support wellbeing for individuals and teams working in health and social care. Duration - Ongoing Active Member of SIG: Coaching Improvement This groups aim is to support other Q members and organisations to embed a coaching model and approach to quality improvement at a local level. Duration - Ongoing |
Other Activities
| Description | |
|---|---|
Sinead was invited to present two 2-hour workshops for Module AP6181 on 'The Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Frontline Workers in Ireland' at the School of Applied Psychology, UCC in February and March 2023. |
Teaching Interests
I am the Programme Director for the Postgraduate Certificate in Infection Prevention & Control (IPC). I teach all of the IPC-related modules for the PG Certificate and the Masters in IPC. I also teach undergradute and postgraduate students on the BSc Public Health Sciences and Health Protection. My teaching interests are as follows:
Infection Prevention & Control
Pandemic Preparedness and Outbreak Management
Disease X
Antimicrobial Resistence (AMR)
IPC Leadership and behaviour change
Communication in IPC and Public Health
Sustainibility in IPC
The Built Environment
Artificial Intelligence and IPC
Multidrug resistent organisms (MDROs)
Infectious Diseases & Tropical Diseases
One Health
Human Factors
Quality & Patient Safety
Audit and surveillance
Psychological Support for Healthcare Workers During Crisis
Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare
Module Coordinator EH6147: Infection Prevention and Control Quality Improvement] and Patient Safety
Module Coordinator, EH6148: Infection Prevention and Control in Practice, MSc Infection Prevention & Control (Online)
(Former Module Coordinator for EH6046: Global & Environmental Health, MSc Public Health in 2022-2023).
I also teach on the following modules:
Infection Prevention & Control
Pandemic Preparedness and Outbreak Management
Disease X
Antimicrobial Resistence (AMR)
IPC Leadership and behaviour change
Communication in IPC and Public Health
Sustainibility in IPC
The Built Environment
Artificial Intelligence and IPC
Multidrug resistent organisms (MDROs)
Infectious Diseases & Tropical Diseases
One Health
Human Factors
Quality & Patient Safety
Audit and surveillance
Psychological Support for Healthcare Workers During Crisis
Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare
Modules Co-ordinated
Programme Director, PG Certificate in Infection Prevention & Control (Online) (CKU01):
Module Coordinator EH6146: Principles and Clinical Practices of Infection Prevention and Control Module Coordinator EH6147: Infection Prevention and Control Quality Improvement] and Patient Safety
Module Coordinator, EH6148: Infection Prevention and Control in Practice, MSc Infection Prevention & Control (Online)
(Former Module Coordinator for EH6046: Global & Environmental Health, MSc Public Health in 2022-2023).
I also teach on the following modules:
EH4003 - Health Protection
EH6019 - The Principles and Practice of Multi-disciplinary Health Protection
EH6046 - Global and Environmental HealthExternal Examiner Feedback
2023/24
"The programme is well structure with an appropriate range of content to meet the learning needs of the students and the requirement of a course on the specialist practice area of infection prevention and control. The overall assessment strategy is effective using different strategies to test the students knowledge. The discussion boards provide students with the opportunity to engage in discussion and demonstrate their learning. They do appear onerous for the lecturers to mark but the feedback the students are given is comprehensive and of high quality."
2022/23
"The programme is well structure with an appropriate range of content to meet the learning needs of the students and the requirement of a course on the specialist practice area of infection prevention and control. The overall assessment strategy is effective using different strategies to test the students knowledge. The discussion boards provide students with the opportunity to engage in discussion and demonstrate their learning. They do appear onerous for the lecturers to mark but the feedback the students are given is comprehensive and of high quality."
2022/23
"All modules exhibit commendable assessment and grading practices that are both robust and diverse. The program employs a range of assessment methods, including written assignments, case studies, MCQs and presentations, providing students with opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in different contexts. The use of varied assessment practices ensures a comprehensive evaluation of students' abilities and promotes a holistic understanding of the subject matter. Furthermore, the grading criteria are consistently applied, offering clear and transparent guidelines for students to gauge their performance and progress throughout the program. I was particularly impressed with the assessment elevator pitch for EH6148"
Student Feedback
I'd just like to say thank you so much for everything you've done for me during the postgraduate certificate in Infection Prevention and Control. I've found you so warm and welcoming
I've also read your feedback and to be honest I've always found what you've had to share so useful. Again, thank you so much for everything. I do have to say that my experience with UCC has been positive beyond my expectations, and I would have absolutely no hesitation in pursuing any other qualification with the university. I think you're all amazing
I enjoyed my experience with the Module EH6148 and lecturer Sinead. Sinead was always accessible for questions, queries and supportive. Feedback was constructive and beneficial
It is one of the most enjoyable courses I have completed to date, and I feel it would be of relevance to anyone in healthcare. It is also very beneficial in that it can be done in your own time through canvas and allow someone to work as well. The presentations, videos and literature provided were all excellent for all modules
Really enjoyed the module, found it really practical and great information to bring back to my clinical setting. Thanks Sinead
I have gained new knowledge in IPC and an opportunity to reflect on my practice as an IPC practitioner
Thank you so much, Sinead, for all your support and effort. I enjoyed this journey and learned a lot. Am fully motivated to continue to master's degree. I will take all your comments in consideration, not only academic but also professional
Thanks Sinead, the feedback is great. This module has already been a huge help in my role, definitely keeping it simple with the project gave me great insight into the processes of QI, Ive already commenced a larger project within the service along with the quality and safety department which will be of great benefit to residents and staff going forward. I learned a lot from the course and this module in particular due to the practical element of it
Thank you for your very informative and constructive feedback. I really appreciate it. A lot of points to consider and work on for the future. Thank you for the support throughout the last year
Recent Postgraduates
| Graduation Year | Student Name | Institution | Degree Type | Thesis Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Catherine Maher | University College Cork | The effectiveness of online psychoeducation for improving the mental health and resilience of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic; a systematic review of quantitative studies | ||
| 2024 | Yvonne Carpenter | Healthcare assistants perceptions of the effectiveness of asynchronous Infection Prevention and Control training in Irish nursing homes | |||
| 2023 | Pamela Landers | UCC | An exploration of perceived achievement of learning outcomes of the National Infection Prevention and Control Link Practitioner Programme within Older Persons Services in Ireland. A descriptive qualitative study | ||
| 2022 | Aileen Ryan | University College Cork | A systematic review of qualitative studies of burnout in nurses during the Covid 19 Pandemic |