16 June 2010

Nurses and midwives are the guardians of care - McGimpsey

A regional strategy for Nursing and Midwifery entitled ‘A Partnership for Care’ was launched today by Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey.

‘A Partnership for Care’, which was developed in consultation with nurses and midwives, sets out the priorities for nursing and midwifery over the next five years.

The strategy has four overarching themes, the first of which will ensure a focus on the patient experience and working in partnership with patients and families. The second promotes the continued delivery of safe and effective care, recognising the personal responsibility and accountability of nurses and midwives. The third theme encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, maximising resources to meet the needs of patients. The fourth theme of the Strategy is about supporting lifelong learning and development to contribute to a skilled, dynamic workforce.

Speaking at the Chief Nursing Officer’s conference at Craigavon Civic Centre, Michael McGimpsey said: “‘A Partnership for Care’ and the four themes within it are central to meeting the health and social care needs of our population. It will provide nurses, midwives and support staff with focus and direction over the next five years.”

Addressing an audience of over 200 nurses and midwives, the Minister said that in health and social care, staff are the most important resource. He said: “Nurses and midwives are the guardians of care. They work closely with patients and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, across a range of settings - from hospitals and care homes to day centres and treatment rooms.

“I want to thank nurses and midwives for their dedication to providing compassionate, high quality care in challenging, highly pressured circumstances, within limited resources.”

The Minister said that in Northern Ireland, the focus has been on developing and strengthening the role of the ward sister. He said: “I am committed to ensuring that the ward sister has the necessary authority and support needed to carry out their role effectively.

“That is why last year I made a commitment to enable ward sisters to focus on patient quality and safety with a phased allocation of money which will increase to £2million recurrently in 2011/12.”

The Minister said that rising demand and limited resources had placed significant pressures on staff and the impact of recent budget cuts and efficiency savings mean the health and social care service is facing a difficult year. He said: “We are of course facing difficult and challenging financial times. The next five years will bring an ever greater pace of change, as well as some difficult choices.

“I encourage nurses and midwives to look ahead and act now to prepare to shape that future. I am confident that they will continue to push the boundaries of practice, making the best use of resources and developing their knowledge and skills to ensure the best outcomes for patients.”

In his address to the largest gathering of nurses, midwives and support workers in Northern Ireland this year, Chief Nursing Officer, Martin Bradley, said: "As nurses, midwives and support workers what we do affects every single person in our community.

“In the past few years, we have seen fundamental changes to the way our health and social care services work. These organisational changes are designed to put the patient at the centre of our services.

“It is important that as we move forward together, we all understand and embrace the key principles of safety, quality and the patient experience.”

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