Colleagues,

As we draw to the close of 2022 and take an opportunity to look back at the year that was, I believe, for the most part, the PNA has experienced a very successful twelve months which saw history being made with the opening of the National Forensic Mental Health Service in Portrane and the closure of the gates of Central Mental Hospital Dundrum. A move from a Victorian era building to a state of the art facility is a welcome development for our services and service users. Elsewhere, the long awaited differential pay was returned to promotional grades in recent weeks, our PNA full time officials participated in lengthy negotiations for the public service pay agreement, Building Momentum Extension, resulting in pay rises for our members. We have also continued, as we always will, to support our members, as necessary, at a local and national level.

On behalf of the Officer Board of the PNA, I would like to thank our staff for their ongoing dedication to the organisation and their continuing passion to enhance mental health nursing and improve our working conditions. To our Branch Officers and Committee members throughout the country, thank you all for the commitment and support you continue to provide to our association and to all our members, I wish you and your families a happy, peaceful Christmas and a prosperous 2023.

Nollaig Shona.

Colette Walsh,

National Chairperson,