International Nurses Day: Thank you to our fabulous nurses at Southern DHB

Southern DHB says a big thank you to all its fabulous nursing staff to mark International Nurses Day.

International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. The theme for 2018 is Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Health is a Human Right  

“We want to acknowledge how important nurses are in the provision of quality healthcare and the significant contribution they make to improve the health and wellbeing of our community. Nurses are at the front line, providing 24-hour care and their commitment and expertise is vital to ensuring safe and compassionate care” says Southern DHB Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Jane Wilson.

“Nursing forms the largest segment of the health care workforce and a career in nursing can be very diverse. We’re delighted that the DHB has the second highest number of Nurse Practitioners in the country working across our Southern health system in hospitals, the community and primary care settings”.

Dunedin Hospital patient Kathyrn Wignall can’t thank nursing staff enough. She says “Nurses are amazing, they are professional, they care, they make you laugh, they stop you from feeling down, they support you, and they are always by your side.”

Registered Nurse, Lisa Schmidt has been a nurse for five years loves being a nurse. “It’s about making a difference. Nurses try to meet the needs of patients in every aspect and go above and beyond to make a patients experience the best it can be.”

Southern DHB would like to say “Thank You” for the huge contribution nurses make every day to health outcomes and communities.

Nursing staff will be celebrating on Friday with a seminar by Frances Hughes, Director of Global Initiatives CGFNS International and former Chief Executive, International Council of Nurses and with cake and chocolates.

*Photograph of patient Kathryn Wignall and Registered Nurse, Lisa Schmidt