IAANMP committee news: A message from Melissa and the team

The sixth edition of the IAANMP (Irish Association of Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners) Supplement marks what has been an exceptional year for the Association. We now have over 550 members, highlighting the growing influence and reach of IAANMP advanced nurse and midwife practitioners (ANMPs) in Ireland.

This expanding membership strengthens the Association’s role in advocating for the profession, promoting excellence, and supporting innovation in patient care. Our strong working relationship with Nursing in Practice Ireland offers a valuable platform to demonstrate the breadth and impact of ANMP practice in Ireland.

In this edition, we are especially pleased to feature highlights and reflections from the IAANMP 21st Annual Conference 2025, capturing the innovation, collaboration, and professional excellence that continue to shape our community. This year had the largest attendance of delegates and submissions for poster presentations to date. The conference was a resounding success and a valuable opportunity to network with peers and key stakeholders, while also serving as a day of learning, collaboration, and celebration of advanced practice across Ireland.

Engaging with research is important for advanced practitioners to remain aligned with best practice, maintain competence, and deliver safe, evidence-based care. As an association, we place strong emphasis on this commitment, as it not only enriches individual practice, but also fosters knowledge sharing, professional development, and the continued advancement of our roles.

In this issue, the research article ‘Integrated care: The way forward for ANPs by using strategy initiatives’ is reviewed by RANP Theresa Lowry Lehnen, with a focus on its relevance and implications for advanced nursing practice. If you would like your research to be included in the repository on the IAANMP website or considered for publication in a future supplement, please contact us at iaanmp@gmail.com for details.

In maternity news, Karlene Kearns provides an insightful overview of the Postnatal Hub Service at Sligo University Hospital, highlighting its role in supporting women and families during the postnatal period. We are also delighted to feature Gemma Smyth, who shares her experience as an ANP candidate in Intellectual Disability.

In her piece, she emphasises the vital role of disease prevention, early intervention, health maintenance, and the importance of ensuring equitable access to care for all. Our popular Meet the Members section in this issue features Lisa Egan, RANP Paediatric Respiratory, MRHP.

We hope you enjoy this edition of the IAANMP supplement.