On a sunny summer evening on Tuesday 24^th September 2024 Professor Maria McIlgorm gave an Inaugural Professorial Lecture in the Council Chamber, Lanyon Building, QUB. Maria is the Chief Nursing Officer at the Department of Health, Northern Ireland. Professor Maria McIlgorm was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of Practice in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. She is a key strategic leader in the Government and Department of Health in Northern Ireland with significant local, national and international impact. 

In the address, held on Tuesday the 24th of September 2024, Professor McIlgorm set out some of the key health and social care challenges globally and in Northern Ireland and the important role that nurses and midwives do and must play in the future to address the health needs and concerns of the people of Northern Ireland. There are significant challenges in the delivery of health and social care services due to a range of pressures, set within the context of a growing and ageing population and financial pressures. Ensuring that the impact and contribution of nurses and midwives across Northern Ireland is targeted and developed for the future is essential to addressing health and social care concerns. The address delivered key messages of interest to nurses and midwives and to other professional groups and the wider public.

The award of Honorary Professor of Practice at QUB will enable the University, Faculty and School of Nursing and midwifery to be in a unique position to strategically influence health and social care policy, thereby increasing visibility and impact.