Bermuda Recognises International Nurses Day
Minister of Health and Seniors, Patricia Gordon-Pamplin yesterday [May 13] joined with members of the Bermuda Hospitals Board [BHB] and the Bermuda Nurses Association to formally recognise Monday, May 13, as International Nurses Day.
The month of May is also Nurses Month, with the theme being Closing the Gap: Millennium Development Goals 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
There are nearly 650 nurses in Bermuda and according to Minister Gordon-Pamplin, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession meet the different and emerging healthcare needs of the Bermuda population in a wide range of settings.
She confirmed that the Ministry of Health and Seniors will continue to work with entities like the BHB and the Nurses Association to chart a new course for a healthy nation that relies on increased delivery of high quality primary and preventative healthcare.
On the occasion of International Nurses Day, Shadow Minister of Health Zane DeSilva said, “Maya Angelou once said, “They may forget your name, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.”
“As we celebrate you, the work you do, the sacrifice you make and the lives you have touched…..on behalf of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party members and supporters, I say, thank you.
“The Millenium Development Goals are ambitious and Bermuda has made or is far closer than many countries in reaching these goals. We enjoy one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world…… access to prenatal and maternal care is widespread and we have achieved universal access to primary and secondary education. In fact we have one of the most highly educated societies in the world.
“But we have a long way to go in other areas…..We continue to struggle with the AIDS rate….we are not as far along as we should be in promoting gender equality and empowering women…… and there remains two Bermudas…… One Bermuda of the wealthy and the privileged…..and a second Bermuda that lives hand to mouth, faces mounting bills and struggling to make ends meet.
“Bermuda remains one of the wealthiest countries in the world, ….but a country that places profits over people……greed over genuine compassion and leaves our poor…..our children and our seniors behind, may be rich in money, but will be poor in spirit.
“Someone once said, “…nurses are one of the few blessings about being ill,” and that “Being a nurse means to hold all your own tears and start drawing smiles on people’s faces.” Right now, Bermuda needs as many people as possible, drawing smiles on people’s faces.
“Nurses, you are on the front line and represent the best of Bermuda. We thank you, we encourage you and we are grateful to you.”
