Nurses, midwives and healthcare staff across Norfolk and Waveney are being recognised for the vital contribution they make on International Nurses Day (IND) on Friday 12 May, 2023.

This year, which is particularly poignant as 2023 also marks the NHS’s 75th anniversary, is also an opportunity to thank staff for their continued dedication to their patients and the nursing profession.

Every day and across all settings, nursing, midwifery and healthcare colleagues use their skills and expertise to deliver excellent care and support patients, service users and their families. They play a crucial role in transforming how the NHS is delivering services, tackling health inequalities, and ensuring people get the best possible care.

Over the past 75 years, nursing, midwifery and healthcare staff have innovated and adapted to meet the needs of patients and service users to ensure people receive the best possible person-centred care.

Despite increased pressures and challenges, colleagues across health and care continue to put their patients first and to make a real difference.

Tricia D’Orsi, Executive Director of Nursing at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “The past three years have challenged the profession and all healthcare colleagues as never before, and we continue to face challenges across health and social care.

“At a time of celebration, such as International Nurses Day, it is good to reflect on individual, team and locality achievements. It has been a very busy time for everyone, and we have all risen to the challenges. I want to take this opportunity to say to all nurses, midwives and healthcare staff across Norfolk and Waveney who take pride in the nursing profession and all they do for patients, – thank you.”

Sharon Crowle, Head of Professional Education, Training and Development at NHS Norfolk and Waveney,said: “This is a perfect opportunity to thank all midwives and nurses for their continued hard work, particularly through extremely challenging times.

“This is a time to reflect on the professional and dedication of our nursing workforce in Norfolk and Waveney and I feel very proud to be a nurse and value working amongst such inspirational colleagues.”

Nursing offers an incredible variety of roles and diverse and rewarding career opportunities and it is important to continue inspire our future nursing workforce.

To find out more about a career in nursing, search ‘Nursing Careers’ or visit: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/nursing