Huge thank you to all the nurses across Sussex

As we mark International Nurses Day, today, NHS leaders in Sussex are praising the work of nurses across our health and care services.

Nursing is considered one of the most important professions in the country, and in Sussex there are thousands of individuals working to provide help, care and support to patients and residents every single day.

International Nurses Day is celebrated worldwide on 12 May to coincide with the birth of Florence Nightingale.

Allison Cannon, Chief Nursing Officer for Sussex CCGs, said:

“Nurses and midwives provide vital care in all health and care services. From GP practices, to community services, in hospitals, in mental health care and across our care and nursing homes there are highly skilled professionals working incredibly hard to care for patients.

“The past two years have been extremely challenging for all health services, and nurses have been at the heart of our response to the pandemic, showing exceptional leadership, dedication and resilience.

“We know our nurses work through the most challenging circumstances, but despite this, continue to go above and beyond to deliver highly skilled care to patients every single day.

“I want to personally share my thanks today as we recognise all nurses here in Sussex, across the country and around the world.”

Today also marks the day of a national campaign showcases skills, knowledge and professionalism of nurses and midwives as research reveals more than a quarter of people would consider becoming one.

Here for Life, a collaboration between the Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) of the UK and Ireland and the RCN Foundation, an independent charity, will showcase the professionalism, knowledge, competence and expertise of nurses and midwives and the diverse and rewarding opportunities these roles can offer as a career.

The campaign will highlight the incredible, and often lifelong, commitment of nurses and midwives to their professions, as well as the huge amount of respect the public has for them.

“I qualified as a general nurse in 1993 and have loved the variation in career the profession has given me” says Candy Gallinagh, who now is Head of Quality at Sussex CCGs.

“My first role was as camp nurse through Camp America in New York state. I have since worked in HIV which has been fascinating to see how medical science has developed in this area with such positive outcomes for individuals. I have met amazing people in my career and always enjoy team working.”

A survey of 2,000 adults from across the UK shows that while the majority of people admire nurses and midwives, and many people would consider being one, fewer people understand the responsibilities these roles entail and the opportunities they offer. The campaign aims to support people to learn more about what nursing and midwifery means in today’s world.

If you would like any further information regarding International Nurses Day, please visit the Royal College of Nursing webpage dedicated to Nurses Day.