Minister praises significant contribution of Advanced Nurse Practitioners
Date published:
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has highlighted the significant contribution of Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) in both supporting GPs in Primary Care and facilitating health transformation.
ANPs hold a Master’s level degree in Advanced Nursing Practice and manage complete episodes of patient care using advanced knowledge and skills to improve health outcomes for the population. They work across a range of settings alongside medical colleagues and other health professionals and play a vital role within the Health and Social Care system, including in Primary Care.
They can assess symptoms, diagnose, treat and/or refer patients with undifferentiated diagnosis.
The Minister said:
“Addressing health inequalities is one of my top priorities as Health Minister, therefore I would like to commend the valuable expertise of our Advanced Nurse Practitioners in caring for people with complex health needs throughout their life span.
“I am acutely aware of the unprecedented challenges faced within Primary Care, such as increased workload and workforce issues, and I recognise the huge contribution of ANPs, both in supporting GPs and indeed facilitating transformation throughout the entire HSC system.
“I want to thank you for your contribution which is fundamental to creating a healthier more inclusive society for everyone in Northern Ireland.”
Minister Nesbitt made his comments during a visit to Clough Surgery, where he met ANPs to discuss their role and function in Primary Care and how ANPs work collaboratively within GP practices. He was accompanied by Chief Nursing Officer Professor Maria McIlgorm and Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride.
Dr Alex Greer, Senior Partner, Clough Surgery, said:
“ANPs are an integral part of the modern primary healthcare team. We are delighted that we have been able to highlight to the Minister the value of Primary Care nurses and of training programmes for ANPs and practice nurses to ensure a stable workforce into the future.”
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: CMO Prof Sir Michael McBride, CNO Prof Maria McIlgorm, Elaine Colhoun ANP, Maura Devlin MBE Director of Nursing Down Federation, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, Nicky Brown ANP, Dr Alex Greer.
- The Department of Health has commissioned the development of a new MSc Advanced Practice programme for Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals. The programme, which will be delivered from September 2025, will have an overarching MSc award in Advanced Practice with sub exit pathways to define the unique route of a nurse, midwife or allied health professional.
- The introduction of the ANP role was developed to enhance the role of the nurse as an autonomous practitioner, reduce workload pressure and increase flexibility and capacity within the system.
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