MPs Thank Nurses For Hard Work, Commitment

May 13th 2009

Nurses around the world have received a big "thank you" as part of International Nurses' Day.

A tribute to the hard work of nurses is held every year on May 12, Florence Nightingale's birthday. This year's theme is "Delivering Quality, Serving Communities: Nurses Leading Care Innovations".

Messages of support were sent to the Royal College of Nursing from politicians across the UK, including the Prime Minister.

Gordon Brown wrote: "No-one should be in any doubt that nothing could change for the better in the NHS without the commitment, the hard work and the passion of its nurses.

"You make the difference between life and death, between fear and comfort, between giving in and going on.

"I thank you for what you have done to come to the aid of every family in our country - and mine is one of the many who simply could not have made it through without you. I am delighted to send you my very best wishes for Nurses' Day."

Conservative party leader David Cameron added: "In so many ways nurses are the NHS. I have seen at first hand the incredible job they do, often under difficult circumstances. The role of nurses is vital."

Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, wrote: "International Nurses' Day is a real opportunity for us to thank nurses for their work - and reflect how much we need them. We as politicians must all recognise their vast contribution to the NHS and respond accordingly."

Nevertheless, the UK could face a recruitment crisis as nearly 200,000 nurses are due to retire in the next decade, warns Dr Peter Carter of the Royal College of Nursing.

 

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