Chief Nursing Officer Annual Conference 2026
This page contains information relating to the annual CNO conference and news and updates from the CNO
The annual Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Conference 2026 brought together more than 250 nurses, midwives and stakeholders from across Northern Ireland's Health and Social Care system at La Mon Hotel & Country Club on 21 October 2026.
The conference was hosted by Professor Maria McIlgorm OBE, Chief Nursing Officer for Northern Ireland, under the theme "Reset. Reform. Reimagine: Nursing and Midwifery Leadership for a Sustainable HSC."
The conference was a great success, providing an opportunity for nursing and midwifery professionals, healthcare leaders, academics, and stakeholders to come together to explore the future of the profession and its vital contribution to delivering sustainable health and social care services.
The 250 delegates heard from a range of influential speakers, including the Minister of Health, Robbie Butler, Mike Farrar, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health, and Dr Andy Knox, Executive Co-Medical Director of NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, who shared insights on compassionate leadership and creating cultures that support improvement. International keynote speaker David Meade challenged attendees to think differently about leadership and change, encouraging delegates to unlock new mindsets and embrace innovative approaches to transforming health and social care services.
The programme also featured presentations on neighbourhood health and wellbeing, service transformation, research and innovation, patient safety, and quality improvement.
Attendees participated in interactive breakout sessions showcasing examples of best practice and innovation from across Northern Ireland's nursing and midwifery workforce.
The participation of Minister and the Permanent Secretary highlighted the significance of the conference and demonstrated the value placed on nursing and midwifery leadership at the highest levels of the health and social care system. Their contributions reinforced the vital role of nurses and midwives in driving transformation, improving services and delivering better outcomes for patients and service users.
The conference featured a poster exhibition competition highlighting examples of innovation, research and service improvement from across the nursing and midwifery workforce. Throughout the day, delegates had the opportunity to view the submissions and learn about the impactful work taking place across Northern Ireland. The conference concluded with the announcement of three poster competition winners, who received awards sponsored by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and La Mon Hotel.
The day ended with closing remarks from Professor McIlgorm OBE, who reflected on the key themes of Reset. Reform. Reimagine. that had emerged throughout the event.
The annual conference reaffirmed the Department's commitment to supporting nursing and midwifery leadership and celebrated the significant contribution nurses and midwives make in leading reform, improving outcomes and helping to build a sustainable future for Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland. The event provided an important opportunity for learning, collaboration and networking, leaving delegates inspired and equipped to continue driving positive change within their organisations and communities.