The Department of Health has officially launched the Cancer Nursing Clinical Career Pathway for Northern Ireland, a major initiative designed to strengthen the region's specialist workforce and improve the care provided to those living with cancer.

The new framework establishes a regionally consistent route for professional development. It maps out a clear progression path starting from Senior Nursing Assistant roles through to Advanced and Consultant-level practice. By standardising these roles, the Department aims to ensure that nursing staff possess the high-level specialist skills required to deliver safe, evidence-based, and person-centred care.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised that the move is a core part of wider health and social care reform, focusing heavily on the retention of skilled staff.

Minister Nesbitt said: "We cannot achieve meaningful reform of our health & social care system unless we focus on our workforce, with an emphasis on retention, career progression, and professional development.

"Ensuring colleagues feel valued and supported professionally in turn helps create the conditions for them to confidently deliver the high quality, evidence-based care that meets the health needs of our population. "It is fitting that this Pathway is being launched on World Cancer Day as the role of nurses, senior nursing assistants, and cancer support workers is fundamental at every stage of the care journey for each person diagnosed with cancer."

The pathway was commissioned by Chief Nursing Officer Professor Maria McIlgorm and developed by the Northern Ireland Practice & Education Council for Nursing & Midwifery (NIPEC). It aligns with the CNO's five-year strategic vision to create an agile and responsive nursing workforce.

Professor Maria McIlgorm commented: "This Pathway has been shaped through close collaboration with nursing leaders, educators, clinical teams, and people living with and beyond cancer.

"This framework strengthens recruitment, retention, and professional development across cancer services, ensuring a skilled workforce who are equipped to deliver safe, person‑centred care. By investing in our nurses, we invest in better outcomes and experiences for everyone affected by cancer."

Professor Linda Kelly, NIPEC Chief Executive, added: "This career pathway recognises the expertise of cancer nurses and provides a clear supportive framework in which to grow, lead and thrive throughout their careers."

The initiative follows the launch of the broader Career & Development Model for Nursing and Midwifery in December, further cementing the Department's commitment to professionalising and supporting the healthcare workforce across Northern Ireland.