Dublin and North East Nursing and Midwifery Celebrated at 45th RCSI International Nursing and Midwifery Conference

The 45th RCSI International Nursing and Midwifery Conference took place from 25th – 26th February 2026, with Dublin and North East Nursing and Midwifery strongly represented across awards, presentations and leadership recognition.

A highlight of this year’s conference was the presentation of the Dean’s Award comprising the Mary Frances Crowley Medal to Ms Judy McEntee, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Dublin and North East. This award is presented annually to a Fellow, Member or student who has made an outstanding professional contribution to the Faculty or who has attained achievements beyond the reach of most.

Judy was recognised for her exceptional advocacy for the continued personal and professional development of nurses and midwives. Her leadership has significantly shaped and strengthened the Faculty’s Nursing and Midwifery Challenge leadership development programme.

The Dublin and North East region had a significant presence at the conference, with:

• 18 posters presented
• 3 lightning presentations
• 5 concurrent presentations

Several individuals from the Dublin and North East area received awards for their outstanding contributions:

• Ms Maria Greene, Beaumont Hospital – Winner of the Clinical Bursary
• Renato David Damelerio, Beaumont Hospital – Winner of Best Overall Poster for Siptilsend, an initiative focused on reducing pre-operative fasting times for surgical patients
• Michelle McDaniel, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda - Runner-Up for Best Presentation with Building a Future-Ready, Patient-Focused Nursing Workforce: A Structured Programme for New Graduate Nurses in Louth Hospitals
• Mr Aries Reyes, Clinical Nurse Manager III, Louth County Hospital – Winner of the competition to name this year’s conference: Nursing and Midwifery: Transforming Traditions, Evolving Systems, Redefining Healthcare

Ms Petrina Donnelly Regional Director of Nursing and Midwifery stated the achievements recognised at the conference underline the leadership, innovation and dedication of nurses and midwives across Dublin and the North East. Their contributions continue to advance patient care, professional development and the future direction of the profession.