The contribution of nurses and midwives is fundamental to
creating a healthier, more inclusive society for everyone in
Northern Ireland, Health Minister has said.
On this International Nurses Day, the Minister also expressed his
admiration and gratitude for the professionalism, dedication and
commitment of nurses working throughout Northern Ireland.
International Nurses Day occurs each year on 12 May and follows
International Day of the Midwife on 5 May. Both days serve as an
opportunity to celebrate nurses and midwives and raise awareness
about the contribution they make and challenges they face.
Minister Nesbitt said: “On both International Nurses Day
and International Day of the Midwife we recognise the wonderful
care, compassion and support that our nurses, midwives and
nursing and midwifery support staff provide to our population in
various settings across Northern Ireland.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and
resilient nursing and midwifery workforce.
“The contribution of both our nurses and midwives is
fundamental to addressing health inequalities and creating a
healthier more inclusive society for everyone in Northern
Ireland, ultimately resulting in better outcomes for
all.
“I want to say a huge thank you to all of our nurses and
midwives across Northern Ireland, for their professionalism,
courtesy and empathy.”
Ahead of International Nurses Day, the Minister visited Grosvenor
Road Surgery in Belfast where he met primary and community care
nurses and discussed the important role nurses play in addressing
health inequalities.
During the visit, the Minister was given a tour of the GP surgery
and also discussed the challenges and rewards of General Practice
Nursing and Community Nursing with staff and their work in
keeping people within their own homes and communities for as long
as possible.
“Helping people to stay well and support them to manage
health conditions can reduce reliance on hospital care. Shifting
left is central to my objective of addressing health
inequalities, and nurses in Primary and Community Care play a
crucial role in that endeavour,” the Minister
said.
The Minister also attended the Stormont Parkrun on Saturday,
where International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses
Day celebrations were being hosted by the Royal College of
Midwives and the Royal College of Nursing. The event was attended
by midwives, nurses, midwifery and nursing students, and support
staff.
Maria McIlgorm, Chief Nursing Officer, said: “I am privileged to
acknowledge both International Nurses Day and International Day
of the Midwife, and I want to sincerely thank all nurses and
midwives in Northern Ireland for your dedication and commitment.
“I recognise the challenges you face, and I know the demands on
both professions are immense. And yet, you show incredible
resilience and demonstrate unending compassion and
professionalism to patients and their families in communities
throughout Northern Ireland on a daily basis.
“The theme for this year's International Nurses Day places
emphasis on the health and well-being of nurses. Prioritising the
well-being of both our nurses and midwives is essential to enable
them to deliver sustainable, high-quality care. This includes
fostering supportive environments, promoting mental health
well-being, and encouraging open conversations about the
challenges you face.
“Over the next five years, I am committed to implementing my
vision - Shaping Our Future: A Vision for Nursing and
Midwifery in Northern Ireland (2023) - which sets out a
clear direction for the nursing profession, including effective
workforce and workload planning that supports sustainability and
promotes staff well-being, investment in education and training
and the expansion of career pathways.”
Notes to editors:
- This year's International Nurses Day theme is Caring for
Nurses Strengthens Economies, which was chosen by the
International Council of Nurses (ICN) to highlight how a healthy
and secure nursing workforce is crucial to the overall
functioning of healthcare.
- This year's International Day of the Midwife theme was
Critical in Every Crisis, which highlighted the
importance of good and safe midwifery care for women and babies
through some of life's most significant, and sometimes
challenging, moments.
