Minister thanks nurses and midwives across Northern Ireland

Date published: 12 May 2025

On this International Nurses Day, the Minister also expressed his admiration and gratitude for the professionalism, dedication and commitment of nurses working throughout Northern Ireland.

International Nurses Day occurs each year on 12 May and follows International Day of the Midwife on 5 May. Both days serve as an opportunity to celebrate nurses and midwives and raise awareness about the contribution they make and challenges they face.

Minister Nesbitt said: “On both International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife we recognise the wonderful care, compassion and support that our nurses, midwives and nursing and midwifery support staff provide to our population in various settings across Northern Ireland.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and resilient nursing and midwifery workforce.

“The contribution of both our nurses and midwives is fundamental to addressing health inequalities and creating a healthier more inclusive society for everyone in Northern Ireland, ultimately resulting in better outcomes for all.

“I want to say a huge thank you to all of our nurses and midwives across Northern Ireland, for their professionalism, courtesy and empathy.”

Ahead of International Nurses Day, the Minister visited Grosvenor Road Surgery in Belfast where he met primary and community care nurses and discussed the important role nurses play in addressing health inequalities.

During the visit, the Minister was given a tour of the GP surgery and also discussed the challenges and rewards of General Practice Nursing and Community Nursing with staff and their work in keeping people within their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

“Helping people to stay well and support them to manage health conditions can reduce reliance on hospital care. Shifting left is central to my objective of addressing health inequalities, and nurses in Primary and Community Care play a crucial role in that endeavour,” the Minister said.

The Minister also attended the Stormont Parkrun on Saturday, where International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day celebrations were being hosted by the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Nursing. The event was attended by midwives, nurses, midwifery and nursing students, and support staff.

Maria McIlgorm, Chief Nursing Officer, said: “I am privileged to acknowledge both International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife, and I want to sincerely thank all nurses and midwives in Northern Ireland for your dedication and commitment.

“I recognise the challenges you face, and I know the demands on both professions are immense. And yet, you show incredible resilience and demonstrate unending compassion and professionalism to patients and their families in communities throughout Northern Ireland on a daily basis.

“The theme for this year’s International Nurses Day places emphasis on the health and well-being of nurses. Prioritising the well-being of both our nurses and midwives is essential to enable them to deliver sustainable, high-quality care. This includes fostering supportive environments, promoting mental health well-being, and encouraging open conversations about the challenges you face.

“Over the next five years, I am committed to implementing my vision - Shaping Our Future: A Vision for Nursing and Midwifery in Northern Ireland (2023) - which sets out a clear direction for the nursing profession, including effective workforce and workload planning that supports sustainability and promotes staff well-being, investment in education and training and the expansion of career pathways.”