'Unwavering' nurses in Laois at Portlaoise hospital praised on International Nurses Day #IND2023

The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise celebrated International Nurses Day 2023 with the theme of Our Nurses Our Future to highlight the vital contribution of nurses to healthcare.

Friday, May 12 was marked with a range of presentations and poster displays highlighting examples of good practice, and shared innovative ways of addressing and combatting the challenges faced by nurses.

Some developments were highlighted by Ally Russell, Paediatric Respiratory CNS who shared her success in getting a bursary for the Paediatric Respiratory Team which will facilitate Asthma Camps as a group education intervention to help children and their caregivers manage their asthma.

Joan Dembo, RANP Minor Injuries, talked about the work of the team in Portlaoise hospital on a collaborative virtual trauma assessment clinic with Tullamore hospital.

A statement from the hospital said this is improving the care pathway for patients with fractures by providing an integrated service that is reducing time spent by patients in clinics thus creating a high overall patient satisfaction.

Student Nurse, Gemma Delaney Hyland spoke at the event and shared her journey from multi-task attendant to student nurse.

"I have worked in each and every department in the hospital since 2006. In 2019 I decided to further my career and apply through the CAO as a mature student for a place on the general nursing programme. I am now in year four and starting the second part of my internship this week on the medical ward and I hope to graduate with my class in November. 

“I really enjoy learning as a student nurse in Portlaoise Hospital. I have direct patient contact every day and I am looking forward to embracing the new and improved patient care competencies and exploring further nursing career opportunities. I am so thankful to the support of all in Portlaoise Hospital. My future is certainly bright,” she said.

Olivia Laverty, Director of Nursing at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, also spoke.

“I am truly privileged to stand here today as your Director of Nursing on my first International Day of the Nurse. I am so proud of the work that is happening in Portlaoise to improve patient care and pathways and in ensuring high quality patient care and patient satisfaction. The nursing profession is a demanding but fulfilling career.

"There are very exciting aspects of nursing in the career pathways available for consideration in terms of clinical, management, education and research. We are building for the future and nurses play a pivotal role in how we design and delivery patient care. It has never been more important to highlight what our magnificent profession has achieved, not only during the pandemic but also on a daily basis in making a difference in people’s lives,” she said. READ MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Tracy Kelly, Ally Russell, Fiona Moore, Lisa Egan with her daughter Rosie, Olivia Laverty, Director of Nursing, Monica O’Callaghan, Ashleigh Harte and student nurse Gemma Delaney Hyland and Joe Dunne.   

John Joyce, General Manager Portlaoise hospital, acknowledged the contribution of nurses.

“The professionalism and ongoing contribution from nurses and student nurses to the delivery of healthcare in Ireland and specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic has to be commended. International Day of the Nurse gives us a great opportunity to recognise the collective and individual impact nurses have on our services.

"Thank you for your compassion, dedication and unwavering commitment to your Patients. I will strive to support you to prioritise investment in nursing education, research and leadership and foster an environment that empowers nurses to be change-makers, advocates and leaders in their respective fields,” he said.

Cora Flynn, Group Nursing and Midwifery Information Officer for the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, thanked the nurses.

“Healthcare is a team sport and together we can achieve more. Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare delivery and we have a huge opportunity to work with you to really transform our health services for our patients. The Hospital Group wants to support you every step of the way and to say thank you to each and every one of you,” she said.

Mental health charity Teac Tom with service in Laois "in crisis"

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has celebrated this day since 1965.