Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone has said that nurses must be honoured and respected for their contributions to the Territory.

Honourable Malone made the call while the BVI Health Services Authority and private medical facilities joined in solidarity yesterday to re-affirm their Nursing Oath and to send positive messages as they celebrated International Nurses Day.

Honourable Smith said the community owes a deep debt of gratitude to nurses for the work they have been doing especially now in the midst of COVID-19.

Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges in a message to his nursing staff highlighted the need for them to stand shoulder to shoulder with their colleagues in the nursing profession and celebrate and honour their contribution to health, health systems and the society in general.

“Let us also recognise their leadership and encourage them to continue to influence us all positively,” he said, adding, “We recognise their invaluable contribution and role in the health system and the unique and vital role they play in the care and outcomes for patients and clients.”

Director of Nursing Mrs. Pearla Sylvester-Thomas encouraged nurses to remain strong. “We want everyone to know that despite the difficulties of COVID we are here, we are strong, we are willing to serve the public during these difficult times,” she said.

Meanwhile, Nurse Educator Ms. Rupertha Ephraim said there are tough days but nurses are trained by standards. Nurse Ephraim urged her colleagues to ensure the use of best practice, on every patient all the time.

“Safety begins with us as we care for our patients and our environment,” she said, She added, “Today I salute all nurses and I say to everyone, stay safe, be professional and most importantly care for ourselves as we care for others.”

President of the Nursing Association, Nurse Gail Scotland concluded the series of messages by imploring her colleagues go forth knowing that they have lives to save, knowing that the public is looking to them to nurse the world to health.

“At times we are going to feel discouraged but we have to stay strong and with God we can do it.” she said.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, a British social reformer, statistician and founder of modern nursing. The World Health Organisation also declared 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife under the theme “Nurses: A voice to Lead-Nursing the World to Health”.

BVI Health Services Authority is committed to delivering excellent, compassionate, client centered healthcare across the Territory.