A book of reflections, gathered from staff across NHS Forth Valley during the Covid-19 pandemic, was handed over as part of local celebrations to mark International Nurses Day on 12th May 2023.
It was presented by local nurse and RCN Forth Valley branch representative Hilary Nelson to NHS Forth Valley’s Chief Executive, Cathie Cowan and Executive Nurse Director Prof Frances Dodd and will later be added to NHS Forth Valley Archives at the University of Stirling.
Forth Valley is the only RCN branch in Scotland to capture thoughts and feelings into a book from 2021 onwards and the contributions emphasise the camaraderie and support between colleagues.
Prof Frances Dodd, Executive Nurse Director NHS Forth Valley, said: “This book of reflections captures the experiences of local nurses across the organisation and is both moving and inspirational. It highlights how staff worked together to support local patients and their colleagues throughout the pandemic and is testimony to the care, compassion and commitment shown during this very challenging period in our history.”
You can read some of the comments here
International Nurses Day is celebrated annually around the world and this year’s theme was ‘Our Nurses. Our Future’. As part of the plans to mark the day we also highlighted the journey taken by one of our local nurses (Lisa Egan) who started work as an auxiliary nurse before deciding to undertake further training to become a staff nurse. You can read Lisa’s story here.
Hilary Nelson, of the RCN Forth Valley branch added: “As well as learning lessons to support nurses, this year’s campaign will also look at how global health systems must be strengthened to address growing health demands. Together our future depends on every nurse, every voice, to not only be on the front lines of care, but also be on the front lines of change.”
A range of events, talks and presentations were organised across NHS Forth Valley to celebrate International Nurses Day. These included hand & neck massage sessions, wellbeing and mindfulness sessions as well a performance by the Forth Valley Nurses Choir. Nursing students and existing nursing staff also shared photos with personal messages to highlight their ambitions and hopes for the future.
Book of Reflections
