As the year draws to a close, I would like to acknowledge the achievements of our colleagues in all areas of nursing and midwifery.

At Board level, 2023 was a year of change for NMBI. In January, 12 new members joined the Board and one member was reappointed by the Minister for Health. I was privileged to be elected as President and my colleague Áine Lynch was elected as Vice President. Together our Board members bring a diverse range of knowledge and experience to ensure that NMBI is a modern and progressive regulator.

In 2023, we published our new statement of strategy which sets out our key priorities for the next three years. Our overall vision is to enhance public safety, increase awareness of our complaints process, promote high standards of education, training and practice, and ensure that our model of regulation enhances and attracts talent from Ireland and from overseas. I would encourage you to read our strategy which is available on our website.

When I began my tenure as President, I spoke about how I intended to use my knowledge of the Board and my professional, academic experience and practice to further NMBI’s mission to protect the public and uphold the highest standards of nursing and midwifery education and practice.

This year we wanted to ensure that we had open conversations with our registrants and stakeholders, so we went on the road.

Following the success of last year’s NMBI Summer Series, we held four events in 2023 in collaboration with the HSE Centres for Nursing and Midwifery Education (CNMEs) in Waterford, Tralee, Galway and Dundalk. Through these events we have been able to share insights into the matters that are important to our registrants. I would like to thank everyone involved in this year’s NMBI Series, particularly the CNMEs and the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD).

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director and the CNMEs who partnered with us to host the NMBI Series, as well as my NMBI colleagues.

I would also like to thank the Board and NMBI's executive for their hard work and commitment towards the betterment of the nursing and midwifery professions throughout the year. As our Register grows, so too does the work of the NMBI staff members. Their dedication and agility is a credit to the organisation and I would like to acknowledge every member of NMBI for their individual and collective valuable contributions.   

Finally, I would like to thank all our registrants and stakeholders who make such a positive impact to the Irish healthcare system. On behalf of the Board, I would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.