Health Minister thanks District Nursing and Public Health Nursing Teams
Health Minister Robin Swann today had the opportunity to commend and thank district nursing and public health nursing staff for their contribution to Northern Ireland’s COVID-19 response despite the significant pressures placed on community nursing services.
He said: I am delighted to be here today at Ballymena Health and Social Care Centre. It is an honour to hear about the highly skilled service that NHSCT’s District Nursing and Public Health Nursing Teams are delivering, and I want personally thank them for their efforts during what has been an exceptionally challenging period.
“District Nursing and Public Health Nursing services in Northern Ireland have been significantly impacted throughout the pandemic. However, the profession has continued to deliver an exceptionally high standard of care across all Health and Social Care Trusts.
“This visit is an opportunity to witness first-hand the level of care that district nurses and health visitors continue to provide despite the challenges faced, I commend them for their efforts in the fight against the virus and to thank them for their invaluable contribution to Northern Ireland’s COVID-19 response.
“The manner in which our District Nursing and Public Health Nursing teams have risen to the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic has been truly remarkable. In a period which has required all within society to make major adjustments in relation to visiting other households and public settings, I would like to acknowledge the team’s adaptability and resoluteness in providing safe and effective care to the people of Northern Ireland. District Nurses and Public Health Nurses are best placed to share our local communities’ culture, strength and vulnerabilities.”
He concluded: “In many circumstances district nurses and public health nurses may be the only person a family or elderly person may encounter and the way in which they have adapted their service to overcome the significant challenges placed upon them is truly admirable.”
Suzanne Pullins, Director of Nursing and User Experience said: “We are delighted Minister Swann has taken the time this morning to come and thank and commend our District Nursing and Public Health Nursing Teams. These Nursing Teams have been so flexible and adaptable throughout the Pandemic, in responding to population health needs and playing a key role beyond their usual areas of practice to support the Trust’s COVID-19 response”.
She added: “The Northern Trust are very proud of the commitment and diligence of all our Nursing Workforce in such challenging times.”
3rd March 2022