UHNM nurses celebrated at special Stoke Minster service for International Nurses Day

Nurses and colleagues from across University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) came together at Stoke Minster yesterday (6 May) to celebrate and thank nursing teams for the difference they make to patients, families and local communities every day as part of this year’s International Nurses Day service.

The special celebration service brought together nursing teams, civic dignitaries, community representatives and university partners to recognise the dedication, compassion and expertise of nurses working across UHNM.

The service featured performances from the UHNM Choir and Fijian Choir, readings and reflections from senior nurses as well as the traditional Florence Nightingale Lamp procession, symbolising the passing on of knowledge, compassion and skilled patient-centred care to future generations of nurses. Representatives from nursing teams across UHNM took part in the procession, alongside students from Keele and Staffordshire universities.

This year’s International Council of Nurses theme, ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives’ , highlights the importance of supporting and valuing nurses around the world and the difference they make to patient care every day.

Stoke-on-Trent Resident Poet Laureate Steve Beattie also wrote a special poem for the service titled ‘Our Nurses, Our Future’, celebrating the compassion, dedication and impact of nurses across UHNM and beyond.

The service included a moment of remembrance to honour nurses and colleagues who have died, as well as reflection on the contribution nursing teams continue to make locally, nationally and across the world.

Professor Liz Barnes, Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, attended alongside civic dignitaries including Councillor Steve Watkins, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, and Councillor Robert Bettley-Smith, Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Ann-Marie Riley OBE, chief nurse, said: “International Nurses Day is a chance to recognise the extraordinary contribution nurses make to people’s lives every single day, whether supporting patients and families through difficult moments or sharing in some of life’s happiest occasions.

“Our nursing teams come from all parts of the world and each person brings something special to UHNM. Together, they help us provide fantastic care to the people of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

“This service is an opportunity to come together, reflect and celebrate the compassion, skill and dedication shown by nurses across our hospitals and communities. I would like to say a huge thank you to all of our nursing colleagues for everything they do each and every day.”