Celebrating Hunter New England Health's 4,000 nurses
Today, Hunter New England Health is recognising the value and achievements of its 4,000 nurses at a special event celebrating International Nurses Day.
Acting Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Chris Kewley said today’s event is the first time Hunter New England Health has celebrated International Nurses Day on such a large scale.
“International Nurses Day is an excellent opportunity for us to give our 4,000 nurses the chance to come together with their colleagues across the Area to celebrate their profession,” Mr Kewley said.
“Thanks to the generous support of Newcastle Permanent Building Society, we’ve secured nine times Sydney to Hobart yachtsman and survivor of the 2005 Bali bombings, Tony Purkiss, as our keynote speaker.
“Today’s event will be broadcast live from the Royal Newcastle Centre to hospitals across Hunter New England Health via videoconference and the health service’s intranet – maximising the opportunity for as many staff as possible to celebrate this important occasion.”
Mr Kewley said the event will include a presentation acknowledging significant nursing successes.
“Following Tony’s address, we’ll be showcasing a range of Hunter New England Health nursing achievements, including awards and scholarships, quality improvement projects, and academic and professional accomplishments,” Mr Kewley said.
Mr Kewley said Tony Purkiss was chosen as the keynote speaker because of his personal experience of the important role of nurses in delivering healthcare, particularly with staff at John Hunter Hospital.
“I can’t think of a better person to talk to us about the significant contribution that nurses make to our community, than four-time survivor of near death experiences, Tony Purkiss,” Mr Kewley said.
International Nurses Day is an annual worldwide celebration of nursing, commemorated on 12 May - the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. The theme for International Nurses Day 2007 is Positive practice environments: Quality workplaces = quality patient care.
Contact: Gemma Smith
Phone: 4921 4501 or 0402 793 426