The Irish Association of Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners (IAANMP) held its landmark Annual National Conference 2025 on Monday, 13th October, at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise. With the theme “A Vision on the Advanced Practice Model of Care”, the conference brought together advanced practitioners, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and academics, for a day of insight, collaboration, and inspiration, leaving delegates energised and motivated by the shared vision for the future of advanced practice.
The Midlands Park Hotel buzzed with anticipation from early morning as delegates arrived to register, collect their programmes, and network over coffee. The atmosphere was one of excitement and solidarity, a testament to the growing strength and recognition of advanced practice in Ireland.
Ms Melissa Hammond, IAANMP Chair, opened the day with a heartfelt welcome, reminding delegates of the extraordinary growth of advanced practice in recent years. She emphasised the association’s mission to ensure that ANPs and AMPs remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery, innovation, and policy development.
The morning session was chaired by Ms Carmel Hoey, Lead for Advanced Practice at the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD), who guided the proceedings with insight and facilitated a dynamic and engaging start to the conference.
The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, addressed the conference via video link, offering a warm acknowledgment of the vital contribution made by Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners across the Irish healthcare system. She praised their leadership, innovation, and dedication in responding to increasing service demands, improving access to timely care, and ensuring high-quality, patient-centred outcomes in both acute and community settings.
Minister Carroll MacNeill highlighted the critical role of ANMPs in advancing national healthcare priorities, including integrated care, chronic disease management, and the delivery of care closer to home. She emphasised that the advanced practice model exemplifies the principles of Sláintecare, supporting sustainability, equity, and excellence in healthcare delivery.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening the advanced practice workforce, the Minister emphasised that continued investment and support for ANMP roles will remain a key strategic priority for the future of Ireland’s health services. She described ANMPs as “an essential cornerstone of Ireland’s future health system,” recognising their growing influence in shaping policy, improving patient outcomes, and driving the evolution of modern nursing and midwifery practice nationwide.
Ms Caitriona McGarrell, RANP, spoke about Clinical Supervision, emphasising that advanced practitioners must continue to lead by example in fostering a culture of reflective practice and professional accountability. She reminded the audience that supervision is not a static process, but a dynamic and collaborative one, requiring ongoing dialogue, mentorship, and evaluation to ensure safe, effective, and evidence-based care.
Ms Anna Kiernan, RANP, followed with her presentation on the Spark Programme, which has created new opportunities for practitioners to develop innovative solutions to healthcare challenges. Her session highlighted the importance of empowering ANMPs not only as clinicians but also as change-makers within the system.
A highlight of the morning was the presentation of the Bernie Carpenter Bursaries to Ms Sarah Daly, Respiratory RANP, and Ms Hannah Walsh, Emergency RANP. Both recipients were warmly applauded for their outstanding professional contributions and dedication to advancing clinical practice. In addition to receiving their bursaries, they each delivered insightful presentations showcasing their innovative work, reflecting the impact and leadership of ANMPs in specialist areas of care.
The bursaries, which embody the profession’s ongoing commitment to research, leadership, and clinical excellence, were presented by Siobhán, sister of the late Bernie Carpenter, adding a deeply personal and heartfelt dimension to the occasion.
The mid-morning session was chaired by Ms Eileen Whelan, Regional Director of Nursing and Midwifery, who brought her wealth of experience and leadership to the proceedings, ensuring a dynamic and engaging continuation of the conference programme.
Mr Steve Pitman of the INMO delivered a compelling presentation on Leadership, emphasising its critical role in shaping the future of nursing and midwifery. He highlighted that true leadership extends beyond management, encompassing the ability to inspire teams, drive innovation, and advocate effectively for the profession. He emphasised that Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners are uniquely positioned to influence positive change, uphold professional standards, and model best practice, all while ensuring that patient-centred care remains at the heart of every decision and initiative.
Mr Stephen Kelly, RANP and CEO of Precision Health, delivered a dynamic and thought-provoking address on Innovation in Practice. Drawing on Precision Health’s expertise in personalised, data-driven healthcare, he illustrated how digital technologies, predictive analytics, and patient-centred approaches are revolutionising care delivery. He emphasised that advanced practitioners are uniquely positioned to harness these innovations, integrating them into clinical practice in ways that enhance efficiency, improve outcomes, and preserve the human touch that is central to patient care. His presentation highlighted the critical role of ANMPs in driving innovation and shaping the future of a more personalised and responsive healthcare system.
The Panel Discussion: Facing Service Demands Head-On
Midday saw one of the most anticipated sessions: the panel discussion on “Changing Healthcare to Meet Service Demand”, chaired by Ms Priscilla Lynch, award winning Health and Medical Journalist, and Clinical Editor of The Medical Independent. The panel featured voices from across the healthcare spectrum: Dr Ray Healy (Director of Registration, NMBI), Prof Mark White (Executive Dean, Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, RCSI), Dr Geraldine Shaw (Nursing and Midwifery Director, ONMSD), Dr Susan Kent (Nursing, Midwifery & Healthcare Innovation Leader) and Ms Fiona Colbert (frontline RANP Cardiology, Vice-Chair IAANMP).
The panel discussion was frank and energised and highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners today. Workforce shortages, system inefficiencies, patient access issues, and regulatory barriers were openly acknowledged, yet the atmosphere was one of strong optimism about the vital role of Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners in meeting these pressures.
A central theme was the importance of an advanced practice model of care, which was presented as not only a response to current system challenges but also a blueprint for the future of healthcare delivery. Delegates explored how the ANMP role has evolved in recent years, whether practitioners are fully enabled to work to the top of their licence, and what policy or cultural changes are required to support and sustain this model. The advanced practice framework was recognised as key to maximising scope of practice, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring that patients consistently receive high-quality, timely, and evidence-based care.
The discussion also looked to the future, considering how ANMP leadership can shape service redesign and transform pathways of care. It covered opportunities for advanced practitioners to drive innovation in digital health, integrate AI into clinical practice, and lead quality improvement initiatives that respond to population health needs. The vision articulated was of a more integrated, ANMP-driven model of care, one that not only addresses workforce and system inefficiencies but also delivers personalised, holistic, and accessible healthcare, ensuring that patients remain at the centre of every decision.
Afternoon of Reflection and Advocacy
The afternoon session was chaired by Ms Kathleen Canavan, RANP in Cardiothoracic Surgery and IAANMP Committee Officer, overseeing the session and supporting engaging and productive discussions.
Ms Aoife Feeney (RANP & Adjunct Professor, TCD) and Ms Ann Fitzpatrick, RANP, delivered an insightful update on Trinity College Dublin’s Advanced Practice Research programme. Their presentation showcased how academic research is being translated into practical improvements in clinical settings, directly impacting patient care and service delivery. They highlighted key projects, innovations, and evidence-based initiatives led by advanced practitioners, demonstrating the vital connection between research, clinical practice, and improved health outcomes. The session emphasised the growing role of ANMPs in driving research-informed practice and shaping the future of advanced practice in Ireland.
The emotional high point of the day came with Mr Rory O’Connor of Rory’s Stories, who captivated the audience with his deeply personal account as a mental health advocate. His honesty and humour created a powerful connection with delegates, reinforcing the vital role of empathy, resilience, and mental health awareness not only for patients but for healthcare professionals themselves.
We were delighted by the overwhelming response to this year’s poster competition, which received over 40 high-quality abstracts from ANMPs across Ireland. As the day drew to a close, the poster competition winners were announced, celebrating the exceptional research, innovation, and leadership demonstrated within advanced practice.
Third prize was awarded to RANP Niamh Orla Finan, Brothers of Charity Services Ireland-West Region for her poster “ANP – Transforming Care for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities”. Second prize was awarded to cANP Avril Gannon, Respiratory Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for her poster on “COPD Admission Avoidance Winter Initiative”. First prize was presented to Gemma Finegan, cANP Paediatric Emergency Medicine, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, for her poster titled “What is the Current Level of Nurses’ Knowledge Regarding Paediatric Fever, and How Do Nurses in a General Hospital Paediatric Setting Approach Its Management in Clinical Practice?”.
Each of the winning projects exemplified excellence in clinical practice, innovation, and professional leadership, highlighting the important contributions ANMPs make to improving patient care and advancing the profession.
The closing reflections by IAANMP Chair Melissa Hammond eloquently captured the spirit of the day, expressing gratitude to all participants, pride in the achievements and contributions of Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners, and a resolute determination to build on the momentum generated. She emphasised the importance of collaboration, ongoing professional development, and the shared commitment to advancing patient care, research, and innovation within the profession, leaving delegates inspired and motivated to continue shaping the future of advanced practice.
In a fitting finale to the conference, former Minister for Health Mary Harney delivered an inspiring video message reflecting on the significant progress of advanced practice in Ireland. She acknowledged the dedication, expertise, and leadership of Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners, highlighting their critical role in transforming healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes. Ms Harney encouraged attendees to continue driving innovation, advocating for the profession, and embracing opportunities to influence policy and service redesign. Her message served as both a celebration of the achievements of ANPs and AMPs to date and a powerful call to remain bold, visionary, and proactive in shaping the future of Ireland’s healthcare system.
A Conference of Vision and Action
The IAANMP National Conference 2025 was more than an academic or professional event, it was a celebration of identity, a forum for debate, and a catalyst for progress. Delegates left not only inspired but armed with new knowledge, stronger networks, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The resounding message was clear: advanced practice is not simply part of the Irish healthcare system, it is leading the transformation of healthcare, shaping a model that is responsive, innovative, and above all, patient-focused.
A Heartfelt Thank You
The IAANMP would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making the conference such a wonderful and memorable day. From our generous sponsors and exhibitors, to the engaging presenters, panel and chairs who shared their expertise, each contribution added immeasurable value to the event.
Thank you to the photography, video, lighting and sound teams for capturing the spirit of the day and ensuring everything ran seamlessly. To the hotel staff, whose professionalism, organisation, and warm hospitality helped create a welcoming environment for all. To our delegates, judges, and awardees, thank you for your participation, enthusiasm, and commitment to advancing nursing and midwifery practice.
A special thank you to the IAANMP committee, whose tireless efforts and commitment brought every element of the conference together with precision and care. Your dedication, teamwork, and passion were the driving force behind the success of the day.
Together, we celebrated, connected, and strengthened our professional community. We look forward to building on this momentum, advancing our shared goals, and inspiring excellence in the year ahead.
#StrongerTogether
