NICC News: Vol 31, Issue 1

As we welcome in 2026, we also welcome the opening of registration to the BACCNs 41st Annual Conference in Belfast. After a very successful joining conference with the Irish Association of Critical Care Nurses in 2022, we are delighted to partner with them once again. Make sure you join us in Belfast, 12–13 October 2026 to learn about the latest theories and best practice from your peers, be inspired by cutting edge innovations, but even more importantly coming together to become a stronger voice within the 21st century. Take advantage of the super early bird rates and register here: https://www.baccn.org/conference/register/. Abstract submission is now open and will close on 18 April 2026. Further information is available here: https://www.baccn.org/conference/abstracts/. The British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN) is currently reviewing its position statement on visiting practices across the United Kingdom; this was last reviewed pre-pandemic. As part of the preliminary scoping stage, we would greatly appreciate input from trusts across the United Kingdom regarding their current local visiting policies and practices. Your contributions will help ensure the updated position statement reflects best practice and supports patient, family and staff needs. Please send responses to email protected. Thank you for your support in this important work. The British Association of Critical Care Nurses has partnered with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to offer a jointly funded Predoctoral Award (PreDA). PreDA is aimed at early-career researchers who wish to develop competitive applications for a doctoral-level research training fellowship. By holding a Charity Partnership PreDA, you will enjoy the benefits of an NIHR training award as well as the additional benefits that charity collaboration can offer. NIHR Charity Partnership Awards offer researchers the opportunity to be part of an active and supportive community, drawing on the enormous benefits and opportunities of cross-sector working including valuable input from patient groups. Closing date for applications is 12 March 2026. Do not forget that BACCN members can apply for grants to fund a range of activities as follows. You may apply for funding for up to a maximum of £1000. Funds may be used to attend conferences, or other study events relevant to critical care nursing. You may apply for funding for up to a maximum of £1000. Funds may be used to support activities related to engaging with patients, the public and other health care staff. You may apply for funding for up to a maximum of £1000. Funds may be used for activities that support critical care practice; for example, staff well-being or inclusion activities. You may apply for up to a maximum of £2000. Funds may be used for quality improvement, service evaluations or research projects. Any research project funded by the BACCN (a non-commercial partner of the NIHR) may be eligible for adoption onto the NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network portfolio. The aim of these grants is to enhance skills, knowledge and competence in critical care nursing to improve patient care and outcomes. For further information and Terms & Conditions, go to https://www.baccn.org/grants/info/.