Ireland's healthservices are transforming. Within the health services, nursing and midwiferyare currently undergoing a great period of change, driven principally by the Reportof the Commission on Nursing, published in 1998, and the Health Service Reform Programme, announced in2003.

In Nursing and Midwifery in Ireland,Yvonne O'Shea sets out to define the role nursing and midwifery will be expected toplay in the new health services, and how these professions can approach thechallenges of the future. She focuses on the areas of professional development,the potential for stronger leadership and the need to build up skills andcompetencies.

Centred on a series of interviews with leadingfigures, thisis the most comprehensive study of the issues facing key stakeholders anddecision influencers within the Irish health care services ever conducted.

Nursing and Midwiferyin Ireland will be of great value to all role players in theIrish health services.