Health Minister praises nurses and midwives across Northern Ireland

(L-R): Alison Lowry (Lead Practice Nurse, Grosvenor Road Surgery), Theresa Morey (GPN West Belfast Federation), Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, Elaine McCauley (Practice Nurse, Grosvenor Road Surgery), Una McCluskey (Practice Nurse, Grosvenor Road Surgery).

On International Nurses Day, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of nurses and midwives across Northern Ireland, recognising their essential role in addressing health inequalities and building a more inclusive society.

International Nurses Day, celebrated annually on 12 May, follows International Day of the Midwife, observed on 5 May. These significant days serve to highlight the contributions and challenges faced by nursing and midwifery professionals throughout the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr 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.”

As part of the celebrations, Minister Nesbitt visited Grosvenor Road Surgery in Belfast, where he engaged with primary and community care nurses.

The visit included discussions on the vital role of General Practice and Community Nursing, particularly in supporting people to remain in their homes and communities for longer, thereby easing pressure on hospitals.

“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,” he added.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt pictured at the Stormont Parkrun, 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 Minister also participated in the Stormont Parkrun event, jointly hosted by the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Nursing, which celebrated both International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife. The event welcomed nurses, midwives, students, and support staff from across the healthcare system.

Chief Nursing Officer Maria McIlgorm offered her heartfelt thanks to nursing and midwifery professionals, acknowledging both the rewards and the pressures of their roles.

“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.”

Ms McIlgorm also reaffirmed her commitment to the five-year strategy, Shaping Our Future: A Vision for Nursing and Midwifery in Northern Ireland (2023), aimed at strengthening the workforce through sustainable planning, investment in training, and the development of clear career pathways.

This year’s International Nurses Day theme, Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies, set by the International Council of Nurses, underscores the critical link between a healthy nursing workforce and the overall functioning of healthcare systems.

Similarly, the International Day of the Midwife adopted the theme Critical in Every Crisis, highlighting the vital role of midwifery in safeguarding the wellbeing of mothers and newborns during life’s most pivotal moments.