Message to the nurses on the occasion of the International Nurses Day 2020 ‘Together we can deliver a healthier future for our patients, colleagues and communities’ |12 May 2020
“The theme for 2020, ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Nursing the World to Health’, demonstrates how nurses are central to addressing a wide range of health challenges.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed in May last year that 2020 would be dedicated to nurses and midwives, providing a once in a generation opportunity to showcase them. It chose the theme to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale in May this year.
“Raising awareness of modern-day nursing, as well as highlighting the power and potential of nurses to address big health challenges, were all aims for the year of the nurse.
“Looking at what is happening with COVID-19, what more powerful, practical demonstration could you have of all of those things?
“The nursing profession has moved into a global spotlight in a way that calling it ‘year of the nurse’ never would have.The response to this pandemic showcased to the world that nursing ‘really is saving lives’.
“Our nurses & midwives have been on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing expert care and support to patients and their families during these uncertain times. They are the beating heart of our health and care system, trusted and appreciated by the public and deserving of our admiration and respect.
“On our special day today I want to thank each and every one of our incredible nurses and midwives who are on the frontline in the battle against the greatest health emergency in Seychelles.
“Florence Nightingale, herself a pioneer during her career, would have been proud at the way our nurses have followed in her footsteps as forerunners and leaders in the fight against the pandemic. They are truly her legacy today.
“Today on this special day I wish to call all nurse leaders to leverage your influence, your expertise, your natural ability to advocate and innovate to achieve better health for our people. I challenge you to amplify the voice of our nursing professionals and use a collective approach to influence health policy in Seychelles, to gain more seats at the ‘top table’ and to be in senior positions for the nursing voice to be heard across the globe.
“The delivery of health care is hard work. Nurses do not choose this profession because it is easy, we choose nursing because we want to make a difference. Together we can deliver a healthier future for our patients, our colleagues, and our communities. Together let us reach something better because that is the difference we want to make.
“I wish to end by wishing all nurses a Happy nurses day.”
Gylian Mein
Chief Nursing Officer