As the 'final curtain falls' on my NMBI tenure as Board member, Vice President and President, I am very grateful and honoured for the trust, privilege, and support over the past decade.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to past and present NMBI Board members, senior executive team, staff, and most importantly, all our nursing and midwifery registrants. A special acknowledgement to our new President, Áine Lynch, the Chief Nursing Officer, Rachel Kenna and CEO Carolyn Donohoe, as well as former NMBI President Essene Cassidy and CEO Sheila McClelland. It’s been an absolute privilege working in collaboration with so many nurses, midwives and colleagues nationally and internally.
My time on the Board has afforded many opportunities to work in a spirit of partnership regionally, nationally and internationally. I am proud of what we have achieved for nurses and midwives, and the wider healthcare sector during my 10 years on the Board. Whilst there have been many key milestones including strategic implementations, it is important to acknowledge the evolution of the professions, key stakeholders and the Board's role in all achievements including overcoming challenges.
Three standout milestones include the national and regional roadshow events including the NMBI Series; the launch of the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives in 2025 and the revised Nursing and Midwifery Registration Programmes Standards published in 2025. The latter two key documents will enhance guidance for nurses and midwives in Ireland and contribute to the reform of our undergraduate nurse and midwifery education programmes for the future. NMBI’s new Strategic Vision 2026 to 2029 will guide our professions, key stakeholders and the Board, with a focused strategic plan with new objectives, including the importance of NMBI’s professional support for nurses and midwives through the Compassion Project.
My initial involvement with the Board as a public appointed post in 2014 has progressed with a decade of service as a Ministerial elected Board member, Vice President and President. I would strongly encourage nurses and midwives to consider future involvement with the NMBI Board. It has been a remarkable trajectory, and I highlight how the Board must continue to transition with the importance of registrants as Board members, bringing a wealth of their knowledge and expertise to Board decision making and governance.
An extended welcome to all new Board members over the past few years, their value of engagement and contribution should not be underestimated. I would again urge nurses and midwives to participate at all levels including Board, committees and as experts.
Finally, to Áine Lynch as our new President, best wishes, continued success and fulfilment as she 'takes up the baton' in this truly privileged role. Under Áine’s stewardship, NMBI and the Board will remain committed to protecting the public and enhancing and supporting our professions in 2026 and beyond. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland is in very safe hands.
