Chief Nursing Officer message on International Nurses Day 2026
Date published:
I am pleased to wish all nurses and nursing support workers in Northern Ireland, and across the UK, a happy International Nurses Day 2026. This year, International Nurses Day marks the opportunity to recognise the professionalism and compassion demonstrated every day by our nursing workforce, while also reflecting on the wider contribution nursing makes to the health and prosperity of our society.
This year’s theme, ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Saves Lives, asks us to think differently about nursing. Health is not separate from economic wellbeing, and the communities we live in thrive when people are supported to stay well, live independently and participate fully in family, education and working life. A strong health and social care system in Northern Ireland underpins a strong economy, and nursing is central to making this possible. Across Northern Ireland, nurses provide care that sustains health, prevents ill-health and supports recovery at every stage of life. Much of this work happens before crisis occurs. Through assessment, early intervention and ongoing coordination of care, nurses help people manage long-term conditions, avoid unnecessary hospital attendance, and return home safely following illness. These outcomes matter deeply to the people of our communities, but they also represent effective and responsible use of public resources.
The Minister’s Health and Social Care Reset Agenda recognises the need to move decisively towards prevention, early support and care delivered closer to home. Neighbourhood models of care are a key part of this shift, bringing multidisciplinary teams together to respond to local need and strengthen connections between services and communities. Nurses already work in this way across many settings, providing continuity and trusted relationships that allow services to operate more effectively around the person rather than organisational boundaries.
This approach very much reflects the direction set out in Shaping Our Future: A Vision for Nursing and Midwifery in Northern Ireland 2023–2028. Investment in workforce planning, education, leadership and career development ensures that nursing is equipped to support reform safely and sustainably. When nurses are enabled to practise to the full extent of their expertise, services become more responsive, pressures on acute care reduce and population health outcomes improve over time. The economic contribution of nursing is therefore practical and measurable. It can be seen in avoided admissions, safer discharge, improved management of long-term conditions and stronger support for individuals to remain active within their communities. These impacts are felt across health services, social care, families and the wider economy.
As Chief Nursing Officer, I am committed to ensuring that nursing continues to shape the transformation of health and social care in Northern Ireland. Supporting our workforce is essential if we are to deliver sustainable services and meet future demand with confidence. On this International Nurses Day, I thank every nurse for the expertise, professionalism and care you bring to your role. Your contribution strengthens services, supports communities and helps secure a healthier future for Northern Ireland.
Professor Maria McIlgorm
NI Chief Nursing Officer.
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