The leading role of nurses is in the spotlight this week as North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust celebrates International Nurses Day 2021 (#IND2021) on Wednesday 12th May. 10, 21
NCIC has 2300 nurses here in Cumbria and all have played a pivotal role throughout the pandemic. The Trust is showcasing some of its nurses to mark the day and sharing messages of thanks from the community who are generous in their appreciation for our nursing teams.
Nurses at NCIC have faced an unprecedented challenge over the last 14 months, whilst caring for patients under extreme circumstances. They had to lead the charge and find new and innovative ways of working to support the ever changing situation they found themselves in.
Alison Knox who has recently been appointed as Associate Director of Nursing for Emergency Care at NCIC is one of the nurses featured, said:
“This year is extraordinary because nurses have done an amazing job over the last year. Many have been redeployed to areas they never dreamt of working in and again have adapted to this and advocated for their patients in a way that no other can.”
Linda Turner, Quality and Safety Matron for Community services at NCIC is also featured, explains what the day means to her:
“International Nurses Day holds a special place in my heart. I believe nursing fulfils such an important and pivotal role in healthcare and I’m proud to be a Learning Disability Nurse working in a Quality & Safety role for the NHS.”
Other nurses featured include District Nurse, Michael Owens, Urology Nurse, Jill Thursby, Bereavement Liaison Specialist Nurse, Helen Westwood and Eden ICC Team Leader, Clare Martindale.
Members of the community have also said thank you to Nurses.
Timmy Whitaker said:
“To all the nurses and healthcare staff that looked after me so amazingly well throughout February and March 2021. A&E, Larch AMU, Beech C, ITU and Maple C. The care, not only physical, but mental too, shown to me was second to none. I can’t thank all of the staff at the hospital enough for saving my life, not once, but twice. I truly am so grateful.”
Sarah Paterson commented:
“You have all been magnificent. I salute each and every one of you. Thank you.”
Georgia Wright, Deputy Chief Nurse at NCIC said,
“Our nurses across the organisation have shown great courage, dedication and commitment during what was the most challenging time any of us have ever faced during our careers. Nurses have proven time and time again that they are the backbone to our NHS; we are listening to the voices of our nurses to ensure we build a bright future here at NCIC. Nurses, as the largest part of our workforce and must play an integral part in planning the future of our Trust.”
The 2021 International Nurses’ Day will seek to highlight the ways nurses are innovating and will also explore what nursing may look like in the future. Earlier this year NCIC published their Nursing and Midwifery strategy for the next two years. The strategy highlights how the Trust hopes to support the nursing workforce and make NCIC a great place to work for current and future recruits.
Georgia Wright said:
“Our strategy is to support staff to develop and thrive in their careers, looking at development opportunities as well as looking towards new and innovative methods to support our teams.
We will continue to improve our digital infrastructure in order to practise effectively and keep our patients safe. The use of digital systems really came to the fore during the pandemic and we have already implemented some new technology to benefit both staff and patients.
Covid-19 really forced us to rethink some of our ways of working; our nurses have had a major role in championing these changes.”
To read the full profiles please visit: https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/news/celebrating-our-nurses-today-and-always
