Foreword
Foreword
Director of Primary Care, Older People
and Executive Director of Nursing
Foreword
The launch of the 2019 Celebration of Nursing and
Midwifery Report has been delayed due to the impact of
Covid-19. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the
contribution that nursing and midwifery have made during the most significant and unprecedented
period ever to face us. I have seen and heard many examples of the nurses and midwives
excelling in the areas where they normally work and in areas unfamiliar to them, often perhaps
outside their comfort zone, but yet delivering and often leading services, with head and heart.
I want to thank every nurse, midwife, nursing assistant and midwifery support worker for the
dedication and professionalism you have shown, and continue to show, during these very
challenging times.
As I reflect back on 2019, I believe that we, as nurses and midwives, have significantly contributed
to the full breadth of the Health and Social Care agenda. This is all the more commendable when
in the context of the challenges that nurses and midwives have faced with demand continuing to
rise, workforce shortages and a global pandemic to contend with. Acknowledging and empathising
with the pressures whilst maintaining hope has been a key tenant to supporting staff and has
required strong leadership at every level.
As Sir Richard Barnett commented in the Foreword to the recently launched Nursing and
Midwifery Task Group Report:
"Nursing and Midwifery are the backbone of the NI Health and Social Care System and
whilst those who lead Nursing and Midwifery are clearly committed to enhancing the
professions contribution, it is crucial that nursing and midwifery are seen as an asset
by all those in leading Health and Social Care delivery".
I know that your contribution is highly valued by your Chief Executive, my Executive Management
Team colleagues, your Multidisciplinary Team colleagues and most importantly, the patients,
families and communities who you serve. This report allows me to share with you a small sample
of how nursing and midwifery have taken ownership and been empowered to contribute to the
achievement of our shared outcomes.
I am privileged and proud to be the Director of Nursing for the 36% of our workforce who are
nurses, midwives and health care support workers in the South Eastern Health and Social Care
Trust. Going forward the regional Nursing and Midwifery Strategy, which will be developed from
the Nursing and Midwifery Task Group Report, will provide us with a road map for the next
10 - 15 years to continue our journey contributing to and leading on the transformation of
Services always with the aim of delivering the standard of care to which we all aspire.
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Nicki Patterson
Director of Primary Care, Older People
and Executive Director of Nursing