Shaping the Future of Patient Care: SVUH Celebrates the Pioneering Work of Advanced Nurse Practitioners

15th November 2024

Today, St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) proudly hosted its first-ever Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) Conference, highlighting the vital contributions ANPs make in transforming patient care. This significant event underscored the expertise, dedication and forward-thinking approaches of ANPs who are integral to Ireland’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Organised by Ethel O’Donohue, RANP (Heart Failure); Elaine Whyte, RANP (Unscheduled Care in AMU); and Siobhan O’Dea, cANP (Sexual Health), the conference served as a platform for celebrating achievements and sharing insights into the future of ANP-led care.

The conference commenced with an inspiring Opening Address by Ann Flynn, Director of Nursing at SVUH. “Our ANPs are at the forefront of patient-centred innovation,” said Ann Flynn. “Their dedication and advanced expertise continue to reshape healthcare delivery, ensuring that our patients receive comprehensive, high-quality, safe care. Today’s conference is a testament to their unwavering commitment and the strides we are making together.”

The first session, led by Ethel O’Donohue, delved into how ANPs are safeguarding their roles for future generations through education, research and strategic development. Dr Mary Ryder, Associate Professor in Nursing at UCD School of Medicine, presented a compelling keynote on “Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice.” Carolyn Donohoe, Interim CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and Paul Gallagher, Chief Director of Nursing & Midwifery at HSE Dublin and South East, provided valuable perspectives on the evolving ANP landscape.

Session two, chaired by Eileen Furlong, former Associate Professor in Nursing at UCD, examined the balance between tradition and innovation in nursing. Presentations by Imelda Noone, Ireland’s pioneering 1st stroke ANP in Ireland; Laura Mitchell, ANP in Acute Medicine; and Michèle Bourke, ANP in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), illustrated how ANPs are leading advancements through personalised treatments and innovative research.

The final session, “The Voices of Impact,” chaired by Pamela O’Brien, ANP, Emergency Department featured personal stories from advocates who have experienced first-hand the essential support ANPs provide. Rebecca Borland, a stroke survivor and former SVUH staff member, recounted her inspiring journey. Heart failure advocate Karen McLoughlin emphasised the critical role ANPs play in disease management, while Barbara Egan, ICU survivor and founder of STEPS, and David Crosby, a double lung transplant recipient and marathon runner, spoke about resilience and the unwavering support ANPs offer in patient recovery.

SVUH’s commitment to excellence is exemplified by its team of over 60 ANPs across 30+ specialties, from Emergency Medicine and Stroke to ICU and Cancer Genetics to name but a few. This conference epitomises the collaborative spirit of ANP Week, showcasing the continuous growth and innovation in advanced nursing practices.

Special thanks are extended to Ann Flynn and the entire Nurse Directorate for their steadfast support. The dedication shown by our ANPs embodies the heart of patient care and the future of healthcare excellence at SVUH.