The NHS continues to face unprecedented demands and reform which necessitates a move away from traditional modes of delivery. Over the past ten years economic austerity, changes to legislation and professional career developments have led to healthcare service redesign and innovations in nursing roles, including the development of the advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) role.

This article explores how one organisation created an ANP service for out-of-hours neonatal and paediatric care in a district general hospital setting. It was found that ANPs help to provide continuity of care, support learning, inspire continued professional development and lead on healthcare agendas. However, the ANP service faced factors not exclusive to local context including an ageing workforce, difficulties in recruiting and retaining suitably qualified staff and economic pressures. The future of the service depends on it overcoming these factors while demonstrating that the shift from traditional models of care can lead to a positive outcome.