Nicki Patterson
Director of Primary Care, Older People
and Executive Director of Nursing
Foreword
Director of Primary Care, Older People
and Executive Director of Nursing
Foreword
As Executive Director of Nursing I am delighted to issue this
our second celebration report.
Reflecting back over the past year I have once again seen many examples of nurses and midwives
excelling in their fields of practice, delivering and often leading services, with head and heart. In so
doing they are day and daily demonstrating the art and science of their profession.
Northern Ireland is now part of the Global campaign, a three year global awareness drive
run in collaboration with the International Council of Nurses and the World Health Organisation.
At the Northern Ireland launch the Chief Nursing Officer stated:
"Today's society faces a number of significant challenges and nurses and midwives will be a
key part of the solution to those health challenges - if they are properly deployed, valued and
included in health decision making".
I believe this report reflects how we are already significantly contributing to this agenda. This is all
the more commendable when it is seen in the context of the challenges that have faced nurses and
midwives during 2018 with demand continuing to rise and workforce shortages. 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.
The Trust Corporate Plan states that the South Eastern HSC Trust will be a good place to live and
to work because of the priority given to promoting better health and wellbeing. In addition we want
it to be a place that when you need support or care, you experience high quality services delivered
in a caring and compassionate way. This report allows us to share with you a small sample of how
the nursing and midwifery family have taken ownership and been empowered to contribute to the
achievement of our shared outcomes.
I am privileged to be the Director of Nursing for the 36% of our workforce who are nurses,
midwives and health care support workers. This report profiles their achievements, professionalism,
commitment and dedication. Working in partnership with those who use our services (patients,
clients, carers and the public) we will endeavour to continue to deliver evidence based services
which are central to ensuring patients and clients have a safe, high quality and positive experience.
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