Midwifery group to launch strategy after stakeholder meetings in Cork and other centres

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), the regulator for the professions, has launched a public consultation to inform its Statement of Strategy 2026 to 2029.

In April and May, NMBI held consultation sessions across the country, meeting with key stakeholders in Cork, Athlone, Donegal, and Dublin. 

The feedback received shaped the development of the draft statement of strategy that is currently undergoing consultation until Tuesday, September 2.

The statement is based on three key objectives: public safety through right-touch regulation, support for the professions of nursing and midwifery, and organisational agility.

Launching the draft statement, NMBI president, Dr Louise Kavanagh-McBride said that the strategy will be used from 2026 on.

“Nurses and midwives are central to Ireland’s healthcare system and the work of NMBI must continue to focus on protecting the public, while supporting and regulating the professions,” she said.

“Our aim is to support nurses and midwives to deliver safe, trusted, person-centred healthcare through compassionate, right-touch, and digitally enabled regulation. 

"This statement will guide NMBI’s work from 2026 onwards, building on the foundations of public protection, professional support, and regulatory excellence.”

Carolyn Donohoe, NMBI CEO said the voices of their registrants, stakeholders, patients, service users and the public “are essential as we develop our new statement of strategy.”

“We want to ensure our focus reflects the evolving needs of the public, the professions and the wider healthcare landscape.”

The public can read the draft consultation document and share views at www.nmbi.ie.