Highlights and reflections from the IAANMP National Conference 2025

IAANMP National Conference 2025: A defining moment for advanced practice in Ireland

Preparations are well underway for our 21st Annual Conference, which will take place on Monday 13 October, 2025, in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise. The conference is the association’s unique opportunity for ANMPs to network, collaborate, and share knowledge. Many of our members work in siloed environments and this annual gathering is often their only opportunity to connect with peers from different specialties and regions.

This year’s theme focuses on the evolving landscape of advanced practitioners in shaping the future. The theme for this year’s conference is: ‘A vision on the advanced practice model of care’, and aims to focus on collaboration, sparking new ideas, and fostering connections between professionals, policy makers, researchers, regulators, and educators.

The agenda for the conference is very exciting. The welcome address will be delivered by Ms Melissa Hammond, Chair of the IAANMP, followed by the official opening address from the Minister for Health Ms Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, which will be presented via video link. Key speakers in the first session will include Ms Olivia Smith, RANP in Emergency Care at St James’s Hospital, Dublin, who will present on clinical competence.

This will be followed by presentations from the IAANMP Bernie Carpenter Bursary recipients Ms Sarah Daly, Respiratory ANP at Roscommon University Hospital, and Ms Hannah Walsh from Emergency Care at Wexford General Hospital, who will share how the bursary has supported their professional development. Mr Stephen Kelly, RANP in Emergency Care at Connolly Hospital, Dublin, and CEO of Precision Health, will then present on topics related to the future of advanced practice.

Prior to lunch, we aim to spark lively lunchtime conversations with a panel discussion on the theme: ‘Changing healthcare to meet service demand’. The panel will feature Dr Ray Whelan from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland; Prof Mark Whyte, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Dr Geraldine Shaw from the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director; a representative from the Chief Nursing Officer’s office at the Department of Health; and Ms Fiona Colbert, Cardiology ANP at Beaumont Hospital, representing practising ANPs.

The panel discussion will be chaired by Ms Priscilla Lynch, award-winning journalist and Clinical Editor at the Medical Independent. A highly experienced health journalist, Priscilla specialises in healthcare, medical science, and consumer affairs, and is widely recognised across television, radio, print media, and podcasts.

The afternoon session promises to be lively and we are delighted to welcome Rory O’Connor from the popular social media brand Rory’s Stories, which is anticipated to provide a light-hearted and humorous end to the conference. As always, our poster winner announcement will be towards the end of the day. Ms Melissa Hammond, Chair of the IAANMP, will close the conference and introduce a special video message from former Minister for Health Mary Harney, who will share key take-home messages to conclude the day.

The agenda is currently in draft form. On the day of the conference, delegates will be able to access the final version by scanning a QR code provided at the venue. We are very much looking forward to a day of networking, knowledge sharing, and meaningful discussion as we explore ongoing developments in the advanced practice model of care. We hope the conference will inspire and motivate practitioners to progress in their field, while showcasing achievements, enhancing professional development, and promoting best practice.

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 medical journalist and Clinical Editor of the Medical Independent. The panel featured voices from across the healthcare spectrum, including: Dr Ray Healy, Director of Registration, NMBI; Prof Mark White, Executive Dean, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, RCSI; Dr Geraldine Shaw, Nursing and Midwifery Director, ONMSD; Dr Susan Kent, Nursing, Midwifery, and 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 ANMPs 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 ANMPs 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, who supported engaging and productive discussions.

Ms Aoife Feeney, RANP and Adjunct Professor, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), and Ms Ann Fitzpatrick, RANP, delivered an insightful update on TCD’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, 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 ANMPs, 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 ANMPs, 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