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Archive - Archive 2004 - July 2013

Health minister commends nurses’ high standards |11 May 2013

Health minister commends nurses’ high standards

Health Minister Mrs Larue“It is my pleasure to wish all nurses in Seychelles a Happy International Nurses Day 2013.  The international nurses day provides an opportunity for nurses to reflect on their profession as they celebrate the anniversary of their founder, Florence Nightingale’s birth. It is a day to celebrate the role nurses play in the care of their communities.

“This year, the theme chosen by the International Council of Nurses for the international nurses day is, Closing the Gap: the Millennium Development Goals: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

“This provides an excellent opportunity for nurses who are the backbone of our health system to examine the contributions they have made to the successes in the attainment of these goals by our country.

“I am honoured to help mark International Nurses Day – with the Nursing profession who has demonstrated over many years, high standards and a strong sense of public service.  Nursing is among the most respected of all of our professions. There are few Seychellois whose lives have not been touched by the care and reassurance that nurses provide, every hour of the day, every day of the year.

“It is the future of nursing as a profession – not its past – that makes me confident about the young women and men undertaking their nursing education today. Nursing will play an even greater role in shaping and delivering sustainable goals and outcomes beyond 2015.

“There are currently 410 nurses practicing in Seychelles – you are a massive resource which the government intends to safeguard and strengthen. We cannot talk about our achievements in primary health care without acknowledging that nurses were the main drivers. We are very aware that the programmes which have led to the achievements of the health-related Millennium Development Goals are very much led by nurses and midwives. We are confident therefore that as a group you will be very involved in any programme which will be introduced to improve health services. 

“Today as you reflect on your role, may I urge you to give some thoughts to the way you can actively engage in advocacy for better health for our nation. It is important to focus the same kind of efforts placed in the achievements of the MDGs in the challenge we face with the non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As a group you are well placed as you have the practical experience, the knowledge and the opportunities to promote the adoption of the healthy behaviours to manage the prevalent risk factors of NCDs.

“Nurses and midwives are recognised as important leaders worldwide, making health systems stronger and bringing services to local communities where these are most needed. Strengthening our health systems remains a priority in Seychelles. We therefore count on the support of all health workers for this, however, today I wish to make a special plea to the nurses to help us in this endeavor so that we can continue to provide the level of health service which our nation needs.

“On the occasion of the International Nurses Day it is my pleasure to send my greetings to all nurses in Seychelles and to thank you once again for your commitment, compassion and devotion to the noble work you do.”

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