Ireland’s first Postgraduate Diploma in Neurology Nursing has been officially launched at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, representing a major step forward in specialist nursing education and neurology care in Ireland.
The launch event brought together senior academic and clinical leaders, nursing and health service representatives, patient advocacy organisations, and members of the inaugural student cohort. Neurology nurses play a central role in delivering high-quality, person-centred care for people living with neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy.
Responding to growing service demand, the new postgraduate diploma addresses a long-standing gap in specialist education, ensuring practice is informed by contemporary research and supported through accessible, advanced training.
Developed through close collaboration between academic, clinical, and patient advocacy partners, the programme reflects a shared commitment to building a skilled and sustainable neurology nursing workforce.
Key partners include RCSI School of Nursing and Midwifery, the HSE National Clinical Programme for Neurology, the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, the Irish Neurology Nurses Forum, the HSE Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director, and the FutureNeuro Research Ireland Centre for Translational Brain Science.
The diploma equips nurses with advanced clinical, research, and leadership skills, creating clear career pathways and strengthening capacity across neurology services. Informed by meaningful engagement with patient advocacy partners, the curriculum is grounded in current research and reflects the lived experiences of people with neurological conditions.
Speaking at the launch, senior leaders from across healthcare, education, and patient advocacy highlighted the programme’s significance for specialist nursing education and patient care. The Department of Health’s Chief Nursing Officer, Rachel Kenna, attended the event, recognising the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and advanced training in strengthening neurology services nationwide.
Ms Kenna commented: “The introduction of this inaugural programme in Ireland will support implementation of the HSE Neurology Model of Care through a highly skilled and appropriately trained nursing workforce.”
Professor Tom O’Connor, Director of Academic Affairs and Deputy Head of School, Nursing and Midwifery, RCSI, added: “The RCSI School of Nursing and Midwifery is proud to lead the delivery of Ireland’s first specialist neurology nursing postgraduate diploma. Developed in partnership with our neurology stakeholders, this programme establishes a national pathway to specialist practice.”
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