District nursing conference highlights commitment to population health and wellbeing

Pictured at the conference are back row Seanna McNeill, Sadie Campbell, Maria Betts, Grainne Moore. Front row Lizzie Crawford, Leah Brown, Marion Orr, Joanne Heaney and Donna O’Kane.

Over 30 district nurses, senior community staff nurses, and community staff nurses from Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine, and Ballymena recently gathered for a significant conference focused on advancing population health and wellbeing.

Hosted by Northern Health & Social Care Trust (NHSCT), the event underscored the pivotal role of district nursing teams in promoting proactive health strategies, prevention, and social prescribing amid evolving demographic and socio-economic challenges.

Marion Orr, District Nurse Coach, hailed the conference as a resounding success, emphasising the dedication of attendees who prioritised the event despite demanding schedules.

“Promoting health and wellbeing for the population is every nurse’s business, and district nursing sees this as central to their role,” Orr stated. “The strong turnout reflects their unwavering commitment to health promotion, prevention, and social prescribing.”

Back row,  Seanna McNeill, Deirdre Cunningham, Paul Cupples, Michelle McErlain, Laura McNeilly. Front row, Susan McGavock, Finvola Laverty, Marion Orr, Aimee Carton, Aoife Quinn and Joanne Heaney.

Back row,  Georgia Gamble, Seanna McNeill, Caoimhe Carlin, Deirdre Cunningham, Paul Cupples, Michelle McErlain, Laura McNeilly, Philip Steele, Laura Heyburn. Front row, Brenda Sharpe, Susan McGavock, Finvola Laverty, Marion Orr, Aoife Quinn, Joanne Heaney and Yvonne Carson.

The conference addressed pressing issues shaping healthcare, including an ageing population, sedentary lifestyles, and the rise of long-term conditions exacerbated by socio-economic factors. These challenges align with the Northern Ireland government’s strategic priority of improving population health, a goal mirrored in the Trust’s Corporate Plan.

Orr highlighted the unique position of district nurses, who work closely with patients, carers, families, and communities, gaining deep insights that enable them to influence healthier behaviours across their caseloads and beyond.

A key focus of the event was the evaluation of Neighbourhood District Nursing (NDN), a community-nurse-led model piloted in Ballycastle and Cushendall as part of a region-wide initiative across Northern Ireland’s Trusts.

The evaluation demonstrated the importance of population health profiling as the foundation for developing Population Health Improvement Plans. This upstream approach prioritises proactive health promotion and public health interventions, aiming to address health challenges before they escalate.

Presentations from district nursing professionals showcased practical applications of these principles.

District Nurse Seanna McNeill and Senior Community Staff Nurse Donna O’Kane from the Moyle Urban NDN Team discussed self-management support for patients, while District Nurse Susan McGavock from Coleraine South outlined a falls prevention health improvement plan.

District Nurse Paul Cupples from Ballymena East highlighted the impact of engaging with local community groups through social prescribing. Meanwhile, Advanced Nurse Practitioner Maria Betts delivered insights on rural healthcare, frailty, and loneliness, drawing on her recently published journal article.

The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers, fostering rich discussion and knowledge-sharing.

Contributors included Deirdre Cunningham from the Public Health Agency, Elizabeth Craig, Primary Care MDT Lead, Claire Ramsey and Sabrina Lynn from Connect North, Yvonne Carson, Rural Health Manager, Nick Moffett, Home Safety Officer for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Linda Craig, Regional Lead for the Patient Client Experience Programme, and Thelma Swann, Project Lead for Care Opinion.

Their presentations underscored the collaborative efforts required to drive meaningful health improvements.

Sonya Doherty, Assistant Director Causeway Locality, Deirdre Cunningham, PHA, Sadie Campbell, Consultant District Nurse and Marion Orr, District Nurse Coach pictured at the conference.

The conference’s success has paved the way for a follow-up event planned for autumn 2025, targeting district nursing teams in East Antrim, Antrim, and Mid-Ulster.

This continued focus on population health and wellbeing signals a robust commitment to transforming community healthcare across Northern Ireland.

As district nurses continue to lead the charge in fostering healthier communities, the event served as a powerful reminder of their indispensable role in shaping a healthier future for all.