The Royal College of Nursing was formed in 1916, with the first Congress being held 50 years ago. In May 2018 Congress was held for the first time in Northern Ireland, with almost 5000 delegates from across the UK and further afield registered to attend.

Traditionally, the start of Congress was marked by a church service. St Malachy’s Church, Belfast, was the venue for the service, on Saturday 12^th May 2018, which included participation from Belfast Trust Chaplains, Other Faith representatives and the Trust Staff Choir.