Nurses from all over the state are honoured on International Nurses Day. Photo: NSW Health.
Monday (12 May) was International Nurses Day and the NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park used the occasion to thank nurses for the vital role they play in the healthcare system.
The Minister emphasised the compassion and clinical knowledge demonstrated by nurses every day across clinical, outpatient and community settings.
“Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and I want to thank each and every one of them for the vital role they play in our health system,” Mr Park said.
“Their contributions are critical to ensuring safe, effective and compassionate healthcare, and their commitment is essential to the resilience of the entire health system.
“The care and expertise provided by nurses supports thousands of people across our state every single day, and International Nurses Day is a chance to shine a light on the incredible work they do.”
International Nurses Day gives the community a chance to thank nurses and midwives for their high-quality, patient-centred care provided across the state.
NSW Health is encouraging the public to nominate a nurse or midwife who they might know for the Healing Heart Award as part of the 2025 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, which formally recognise the effort and hard work that goes into caring for the sick.
NSW Health’s Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross said: “Nurses are everywhere all the time, contributing to health outcomes for the people and communities of NSW. They are in community settings and in acute and complex care environments, and everywhere in between.
“I am incredibly proud of my nursing colleagues, and would like to thank them for their compassion, professionalism, and round-the-clock commitment to caring for patients in the public health system.”
The Healing Heart Award recognises a nurse or midwife whose compassion, kindness or professionalism stand out.
The Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards consist of nine categories, with seven local health district and specialty network-nominated awards, one colleague-nominated gong and a consumer-nominated accolade.
Nominations are open until 12 June. Members of the public can nominate via the NSW Health website.
