On Thursday 22 October, Hallam Medical was proud to attend the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) Annual Conference 2026 in Birmingham as a partner and sponsor.

The event marked the return of the conference as an in-person gathering for the first time since 2019.

Under the theme Care, Equity and the Road Ahead – Community Nurses Leading Change, the conference explored the future of community nursing and the profession’s vital role in tackling health inequalities and improving care closer to home.

Representing Hallam Medical were Director of Clinical Governance & Quality – Lisa Locker, Brand & Partners Lead – Charlotte Tomlinson, and Commercial Director – Gemma Smith.

Community nurses, healthcare leaders and partners from across the UK came together for a day of learning, discussion, networking and inspiration, celebrating the contribution of community nursing and exploring how the profession can continue to shape the future of healthcare.

Celebrating Community Nursing and Leading Change

Opening the conference, QICN Chief Executive Steph Lawrence MBE welcomed delegates and reflected on the unique contribution community nurses make every day to individuals, families and communities.

Throughout the day, discussions explored the challenges and opportunities facing community nursing, with key themes including:

• The future of community nursing: Addressing workforce challenges, health inequalities, research and innovation, and the growing importance of community-based care across the wider health and care system.
• Hospital-to-home care: Exploring how services can support people as they transition from hospital to home, helping to deliver safe, effective and person-centred care.
• Inclusive leadership: Considering how inclusive leadership can help improve health outcomes and ensure services better meet the needs of diverse communities.
• Strengthening the workforce: Highlighting the importance of providing nurses with the support, recognition and development opportunities they need to lead change.
• Celebrating expertise and innovation: Showcasing the research, professional development and innovative practice taking place across community nursing in the UK.

A particularly thought-provoking discussion featured actor and author George Webster alongside healthcare leader and QICN Fellow Rob Webster CBE. They shared powerful reflections on lived experience, communication and the importance of person-centred care, prompting important conversations about how health services can better meet the needs of people with additional needs and disabilities.

Hallam Medical’s Commitment to Community Nursing

At Hallam Medical, we are proud to support the QICN in championing community nursing and recognising the vital contribution community and district nurses make to healthcare services and the people they care for.

Their expertise, dedication and compassion are essential to delivering high-quality care and improving outcomes for individuals and communities across the UK. It is vital that the voices of community nurses are heard, their contributions recognised, and their role in shaping the future of healthcare supported.

The QICN Annual Conference provided a valuable opportunity to bring the profession together, share knowledge, celebrate achievements and highlight the importance of delivering care closer to home.

Supporting the QICN Annual Conference Reception

Hallam Medical was also delighted to sponsor the QICN evening drinks reception on Wednesday 21 October. Commercial Director Gemma Smith joined Steph Lawrence in delivering the opening speech, helping to welcome attendees and continue the conversations and connections made throughout the event.

We are proud to support the QICN and the community nursing profession. By working together with nurses, healthcare leaders and partners, we can help champion the workforce, celebrate its expertise and support the delivery of excellent care within communities across the UK.