As part of celebrations for International Nurses’ Day, local MP Catherine McKinnell has teamed up with nurses at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to shadow a nurse for a day.
Similar events are being held across the region, with nine of the region’s MPs taking part.
International Nurses’ Day is celebrated around the world on 12th May every year, which is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. In recent years, the celebration has grown to include a number of events in the weeks around 12th May and is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the dedication and commitment of the nursing profession. Catherine, MP for Newcastle North, will be undertaking her shadowing at the RVI on 13th May.
Catherine McKinnell said:
“My constituency postbag tells me that our NHS is one of the single most important issues for my constituents – the vast majority of whom appreciate the excellent local health service and facilities we have in Newcastle.
“I am really looking forward to spending time with the nurses working on the frontline at the RVI, to get a better understanding of the challenges they face and the real issues that Government should be addressing.
“We have all experienced the invaluable care that nurses provide, and I am proud to be able to celebrate their role by taking part in International Nurses’ Day.”
Frances Blackburn, Head of Nursing at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are very happy to welcome Catherine, and to enable her to see the invaluable role nurses play within our Regional Emergency Department and Assessment areas supporting patients during times of crises and illness. It is also an opportunity at first hand to observe the diverse of roles and responsibility in co-ordinating care and ensuring that patient’s experience the highest standards of professional care. In particular the role of the Patient Services Co-ordinator is one that demands developed clinical knowledge and excellent decision making skills across a very diverse range of situations liaising with multiprofessional teams across the Trust managing the flow of patients is both challenging and unique”.
RCN Northern Region Director, Glenn Turp said: “It is absolutely fantastic that Catherine McKinnell is taking part in International Nurses’ Day, by shadowing a nurse for the day. The event gives us the opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication that nurses deliver, day and night, 365 days of the year, in the service of their community. We are very grateful to Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for helping to facilitate this event”.
The NE region has approximately 22,000 NHS nurses, midwives, and health visitors.
Catherine Mckinnell was also featured on the bbc website for being a nurse for a day.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-13345789