The changing needs of the 21st Century mean nurses have an even greater role to play in the future. New and innovative types of services are needed – more community and home-based, more holistic and people-centred, with increased focus on prevention and making better use of technology. These are all areas where nurses can play a leading role. However, maximising nurses’ contributions will require that they are properly deployed, valued and included in policy and decision-making.
Nursing Now will work with partners around the world to advocate for more nurses in leadership positions – to help nurses achieve the influence they deserve. It will also help nurses access better education and training, while supporting them to share research and evidence of effective practice.
Nursing Now will encourage health leaders to invest in nursing and introduce new models of care that maximise nurses’ contributions to achieving Universal Health Coverage which would guarantee everyone the right to quality health care without financial hardship.
INFORMATION
– Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge became Parton in February 2018.
EFFORTS:
February 27, 2018 – The Duchess Of Cambridge Launch’s ‘Nursing Now’ Campaign – Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge launched ‘Nursing Now’ at St Thomas’ hospital in London, England. The campaign promotes nursing worldwide. In a speech, Catherine praised nurses for always being there, saying: “You care for us from the earliest years. You look after us in our happiest and saddest times. And for many, you look after us and our families at the end of our lives. Your dedication and professionalism are awe-inspiring.” You can read the full speech here.
November 26, 2019 – Private Visit To Kingston Hospital Maternity Unit – Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge privately spent two days with Kingston Hospital Maternity Unit in London ahead of 2020’s International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. The Duchess accompanied community midwives on their daily rounds and was welcomed in to people’s homes. To coincide with the news of The Duchess’s private visit the Palace also released a letter from Catherine to the midwives which you can read here.
December 23, 2019 – A Berry Royal Christmas – As part of the ‘Berry Royal Christmas’, nurses and midwives were celebrated for the work they do and the sacrifices they make in being away from their families to care for others during the festive period. Two individuals who were invited went to the Rosehill hotel just out of St Pancras station on the November 18, 2019. Claire, a nurse said of the experience, “… We were greeted with champagne and canapes and asked if we wanted to do a Christmas craft. We choose to make a Christmas Wreath. The atmosphere was incredible and the food and drinks flowed all afternoon. We were really fortunate to be in a position in the room where we were able to chat with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. They asked us about our experiences of working over the Christmas period, and how this time away affects us and our families. To be recognised for our contribution to our roles in this way was such an unexpected surprise…” Louise, a midwife also shared her experience, “… It was so lovely to be acknowledged for the time we spend away from our families, and the sacrifice our families make, over Christmas and the New Year. Speaking with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge about our experiences of working over Christmas, and the impact this has on those we care for, helped me reflect on how selfless the nursing and midwifery profession is…”
