IAANMP: Association news

Independent Nursing and Midwifery Practice National Framework Proposal and ERB Alignment (2022–2026)

On Thursday, 16 April 2026, Melissa Hammond (Chair IAANMP) and Caroline Fraser (Vice-Chair IAANMP) met with Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Rachel Kenna, at the Department of Health to discuss the IAANMP submission, ‘Independent Nursing and Midwifery Practice: A National Framework Proposal to Empower the Profession and Strengthen the System’. The IAANMP would like to thank Dr Susan Kent of ArrowHealth for her expertise in the development of this document. Her extensive experience and leadership in nursing practice were instrumental in shaping the document structure and ensuring the recommendations reflected both current best practice and future service needs.

The framework outlines a structured, evidence-informed approach to enabling independent nursing and midwifery practice within existing statutory authority and demonstrates clear alignment with the recommendations of the Expert Review Body (ERB) for the period 2022-2026. The proposal is positioned within the context of sustained and increasing pressures across the Irish health system, including the rising prevalence of chronic disease, emergency department overcrowding, delayed hospital discharges, and high levels of preventable hospital activity.

A central component of the framework is the operationalisation of ERB Recommendation 28, which calls for the evaluation, development, and implementation of independent practice models. More broadly, the proposal advances key ERB priorities relating to professional autonomy, leadership visibility, expansion of advanced practice roles, doctoral and research pathways, optimal utilisation of nursing and midwifery skills across integrated care, digital transformation, governance reform, and contractual modernisation.

The evidence base underpinning the proposal draws on national data and established Irish service models, including ANP-and AMP-led services, community specialist teams, minor injury units, maternity care pathways, and independent providers. Reported outcomes associated with these models include hospital avoidance rates of 25-35 per cent, high levels of patient satisfaction, reductions in emergency department presentations and hospital readmissions, and positive social return on investment.

The proposed model establishes a whole-profession, three-tier continuum of autonomous practice across generalist, specialist, and advanced levels. Primary Care Reimbursement Service-enabled independent contracting would support tariff-based reimbursement, enhanced visibility of clinical outcomes, integrated diagnostic and referral pathways, and improved continuity of care across the health system.

The meeting was productive and constructive, and the IAANMP looks forward to continued engagement with the Chief Nursing Officer as the proposal progresses through consideration, development, and potential implementation pathways within the Department of Health. The association welcomes the opportunity for ongoing collaboration and further dialogue with key stakeholders and anticipates a positive and structured outcome arising from the CNO’s review of the framework.

Welcome to RANP Peter Livingstone: New IAANMP committee officer

Peter Livingstone is an experienced psychiatric nurse who qualified in 1993 from Sunnyside Royal Hospital, Montrose, Scotland, and has worked in Ireland since 2004. His practice is grounded in continuous professional development, with postgraduate qualifications including nurse prescribing, specialist training in severe and enduring mental illness, and an MSc in Advanced Nursing Practice (Mental Health). He is also a delegated authorised officer under Section 9 of the Mental Health Act.

Peter currently works in Liaison Psychiatry in Mayo, providing care at the interface between acute medical and mental health services, and holds prescribing authority as part of his advanced practice role. He previously worked for seven years within the National Clinical Care Programme for Self-Harm, gaining extensive experience in autonomous and multidisciplinary working across evidence-based frameworks.

His career has included significant roles in community mental health teams, acute admissions, and service management. He has contributed to local and national policy development and has held leadership positions including Vice Chair of the Association of Community Mental Health Nurses of Ireland and Chair of a Self-Harm Nurses Forum. He is currently a committee member of the Mental Health ANPs of Ireland.

Save the Date: IAANMP Annual Conference 2026

The IAANMP Annual Conference will take place on Friday 6 November 2026, at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, Co Laois. This key event in the advanced practice calendar brings together ANMPs, clinicians, researchers, educators, and policy leaders from across Ireland to share knowledge, showcase innovation, and strengthen professional collaboration within advanced practice.

The 2026 conference will provide a dynamic programme reflecting the evolving scope of advanced nursing and midwifery practice. Attendees can expect a range of expert-led presentations, clinical updates, research insights, and panel and interactive discussions focused on enhancing patient care, service development, and evidence-based practice across healthcare settings.

In addition to the formal programme, the conference offers an important opportunity for networking, professional engagement, and the exchange of ideas that continue to shape and advance practice nationally. Further details regarding registration, abstract submission, and the full conference programme will be released in due course.