Nurses and midwives from across the South Eastern Trust were celebrated for their dedication and compassion at the annual International Day of the Nurse and Midwife celebrations at Ards Community Hospital.
Nurses from across the profession gathered to hear from key note speaker, Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing, Dr Crystal Oldman who delivered her presentation on ‘Past, Present and Future: The Joy of a Career in Nursing’ to the hundreds in attendance.
South Eastern Trust Chief Executive Roisin Coulter, who began her career as a Paediatric Nurse, shared how the event was a chance to, “Recognise the contribution Nurses make, going above and beyond with a ‘can do’ attitude and always putting patients first.”
“Every year it is so important to celebrate International Day of our Nurses and Midwives. Our Nurses and Midwives are a large part of our workforce here within the South Eastern Trust. It is an absolute privilege for me, a Nurse by background, to be in the role of Chief Executive of this Trust.”
“This has been a really brilliant, heart-warming and uplifting event and it has been wonderful to feel that spirit of commitment and dedication in the room.”
“Nurses and Midwives are the backbone of our Trust,” stressed the Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, David Robinson. “They are in every single setting whether it’s in the hospital or in the community. They make such a difference, 24/7, from the cradle to the grave.
“These celebrations have been a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get together across our Trust to celebrate.”
The Chairman of the Trust Jonathan Patton was delighted to receive a cheque from the Belfast Marathon Trust relay teams, who raised an incredible £1,856 for Kiwoko, a hospital in Uganda which is partnered by the Trust.
“Our nurses are the core and centre of everything we do. We are so grateful and proud of you all. I feel privileged to be among you today.”
The Director of Primary Care and Older People and nurse, Clare-Marie Dickson, received a standing ovation as she emotionally reflected on her almost 38 year long career.
“It has been the privilege of my life to be a Nurse. I went into hospital for a month when I was seven and as I left I knew that I wanted to be a nurse.
“I will never forget a palliative care patient I nursed many years ago. He was married just before he died and I was privileged to be at his wedding. When we returned to the hospital later that day, the nurses had filled his room with flowers. That was compassion and kindness in action. That is nursing. He died the following day.”
Presenting three items to represent her career, Clare-Marie said, “My fob watch on my uniform reflects how important it is give time to patients, a book conveys how important it is to constantly educate yourself and a ball of wool represents how nursing knits so many people together.”
Interim Ulster Hospital Lead Midwife Emma Johnson added, “It is important to recognise the incredible work our Midwives do everyday. Our Midwives are so passionate about what they do. They are walking the walk and supporting our mums through the pregnancy journey and when baby is born. Yes, it is a vulnerable time but it’s a beautiful time.”
Student Nurse Tom McCune described how he felt, “very recognised” as part of the celebrations. “Nursing is a very important career. We are the majority of the workforce, right there at the front line.”. “It was great to be in the room with such a great skill mix and listen to other Nurses and have that chance to share our learning.”
