Nurses recognised for their commitment to high-quality patient care.

On International Nurses Day, Sydney Local Health District wishes to thank all its nurses for their hard work and commitment to providing exceptional care for patients, their families and the community.

This year's theme is Nurses: A Voice to Lead — Invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health. It focuses on the need to protect, support and invest in the nursing profession to strengthen health care systems around the world.

"Nurses in our District make a major contribution to the strength of the NSW health care system, which has been particularly evident during our response to the COVID-19 pandemic," Ivanka Komusanac, the District's Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery said.

"It has been challenging at times. I'd like to acknowledge the dedication and resilience nurses have shown, continuing to deliver high-quality care to patients, their families and the community."

Celebrations were held across the District's hospitals and services to mark the special day.

At RPA, nurses were treated to cupcakes while at Canterbury gift boxes and thank you cards were delivered to the wards.

At Balmain, nurses put their cake-making skills to the test in a bake-off and participated in a bed-making competition.

At Concord, a wreath was laid at the stained glass Centaur window, in memory of the 268 people – including 11 nurses – who lost their lives when the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur was attacked during World War Two. Nurses were treated to breakfast and lunch.

At RPA Virtual Hospital, nurses enjoyed afternoon tea, while Mental Health nurses received care packages and Drug Health nurses were given hampers.

Some nurses were presented with special awards in recognition of their service, while others received scholarships to further their professional development.

"Nurses support our patients, their carers and families at some of their most vulnerable times, and play a vital role in how care is delivered in our District," Dr Teresa Anderson, the District's Chief Executive, said.

"Throughout the COVID pandemic, our nurses have stepped into new roles and delivered care in new ways.

"Today is an opportunity to reflect on the successes of all of our nurses. I am proud of every nurse in our District and their commitment to delivering compassionate family and patient centred care," Dr Anderson said.

Last month, a number of the District's nurses and midwives were recognised in the NSW Health 2021 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

Claire Devonport, the Midwifery Unit Manager at Canterbury Hospital, was named Midwife of the Year and the District's Special Health Accommodation Nursing Team was named Nursing/ Midwifery Team of the Year.

For more images of the celebrations, please click here.