Message by chief nursing officer Gylian Mein in commemoration of International Nurses Day ‒ May 12, 2021 ‘A voice to lead ‒ A vision for future healthcare’ |12 May 2021

“In commemoration of this year’s International Nurses Day, firstly we remember nurses and midwives who have fought the good fight and are no longer with us. Special thoughts for the family and friends of two nurses who sadly left us. May their souls rest in eternal peace.

“Each year, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) leads the global celebrations for International Nurses Day, which is held on May 12, the anniversary of the birth of nursing trailblazer Florence Nightingale.

“ICN says the global Covid-19 pandemic has shown the world the important role nurses play in keeping people healthy across the lifespan. While there has been significant disruption to healthcare, they also suggest there has been great innovation that has improved access to care.

“The pandemic had exposed the weaknesses in many of the world’s health systems; the enormous pressure nurses are working under, and shone the light on their incredible commitment and courage.

“The pandemic has also given us the opportunity to call for a reset and the opportunity to explore new models of care where nurses are at the centre of our health systems. So nurses will need to focus on the changes to and innovations in nursing and how they will ultimately shape the future of healthcare. As the largest healthcare profession, nurses should play an integral part in planning the future of healthcare.

“It is said that a person who saves a life is a hero. A person who gives of his or her best every day to save lives and care for those whose lives are in danger is obviously a nurse.

“This important tribute is dedicated with great affection to all those men and women who chose a career in nursing, midwifery and other nursing related fields. We chose to take care of the very sick child and her family while juggling doctors’ orders and laboratory results. We chose to relieve the pain and discomfort of the distressed patient. We chose to calm the anxieties of this young couple awaiting the birth of their first child. We chose to educate and comfort this young graduate after a devastating diagnosis threatening her career. We chose to hold the hand of the dying patient as he drew his last breath. We also chose to miss holidays with the family, get-together and night outs with friends and left a sick child at home to take care of someone else’s family or family member.

“Amid all the sacrifices, it is very important we celebrate the day of our nurses. By the important bond that nurses and midwives all over the world share we join in the celebration as the world pays tribute for the sacrifices and the great work that we do with dedication in so many different and challenging settings.

“It has been widely documented that nurses and midwives collectively form the largest component of the health workforce. We have close contact with many people across the age continuum and in all health service areas. Since last year it has not been the year we nurses expected – in fact; it has not been the year anyone expected! It has been a history-changing year during which the health system has faced unprecedented challenges.

“It has not been an unchallenging journey. Many nurses have contracted the virus while caring for their patients and, in some countries; our colleagues have lost their lives. To quote Dame Donna Kinnair, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing: ‘Nursing is a challenging profession ‒ the work we do is vital but often unseen, and too often, undervalued, but the skills and expertise we bring to patient care is undeniable and that has never been demonstrated more keenly than in the past 12 months’.

“It is therefore imperative that the roles and responsibilities of nurses and midwives evolve in parallel with changes taking place in health and broader social, epidemiological and economic context if they are to be responsive.

“Nursing has been a profession with high standards and a strong sense of public service for as long as it existed. Nurses and midwives are among the most respected of all of our professions. We will continue to earn the respect and esteem of all only through hard work and continued enthusiasm.

“To all nurses and midwives today especially those currently working in our hospitals, health centres and communities, isolation centres, you all have a story to tell. There are few Seychellois whose lives have not been touched by the care and reassurance that you provide every hour of the day and every day of the year. I commend you for your high professional standards and thank you for your dedication to the health and well-being of our people.

“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. With improved knowledge and skills, nursing and midwifery will play an even greater role in delivering an efficient and higher quality service for Seychellois.

“Each and every one of us must be committed to helping deliver services that improve the health of our people and the community. We can make it work and we will not forsake the sick, the poor and the frail of this country. We must be an inspiration to everyone to make the nursing profession appeal to the young generation.

“We must be ready for this moment – 2020 and 2021 are our years to show what we can do to improve the health for everybody, everywhere. Seychelles needs us more than ever.

“In the words of the great statesman Nelson Mandela: ‘Make your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.’

“Thank you for all your great work. Have a happy Nurse’s day.”

Gylian Mein

Chief nursing officer