Hamilton Public Lecture by Professor Anthony O'Brien

'Nursing as critical practice: Challenges in transforming mental health legislation' by Professor Anthony O'Brien.

In this inaugural professorial lecture, Professor Anthony O’Brien will draw on 50 years of nursing experience to examine the university’s role as a site for the development of nursing as a critical discipline—one that is central to, and actively engaged in, the critical analysis of contemporary health care.

Focusing on the case of mental health legislation, Professor O’Brien will explore how nursing ethics shapes professional practice, generating insights that challenge institutional power and open up new possibilities for reform. The lecture will highlight the vital role of the university in fostering the thinking, debate, analysis, and advocacy required for meaningful change.

Professor O’Brien will consider the challenges of translating research findings into practice, particularly in the face of enduring institutional power. Drawing on current mental health law reform, he will argue that, despite the introduction of some welcome innovations, in other respects the present moment represents a case of transformation denied.

This 45-minute public lecture will be held at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, starting at 5.45pm. Ticket scanning and Opus Bar will be open from 5pm.

Free parking is available on campus via Gate 2B, Knighton Road, Hamilton from 4.30pm.

Please register your attendance by clicking on the 'Register Here' button above and bring your eticket, with you on the evening to be scanned.

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