Northern Ireland’s nurses and midwifes have risen to the challenge of modernising health and social services and are leading the way with a number of major healthcare achievements over the last four years.

This is according to achievements outlined in the ‘Valuing Diversity – A Way Forward Summary of Achievements 1998 – 2002’ report, launched by Chief Nursing Officer, Judith Hill.

Among the major achievements reached by local nurses and midwives include:

• the participation of NI nurses in unique leadership programmes to take forward the modernising of the health and social services
• new ground breaking roles developed
• The creation of new services developed in partnership with local communities
• All-Ireland collaboration between the two Departments of Health

Speaking at the launch, Judith Hill said: “Nurses and midwives have made significant and positive contributions to the health care provided to patients, families and communities across Northern Ireland.

“The examples of progress outlined in the report, demonstrate the innovative and creative approach taken by staff in the HPSS, supported by the education institutions to develop services to meet the health and care challenges of the people of Northern Ireland.

‘Valuing Diversity – A Way Forward Summary of Achievements 1998 – 2002’ follows on from a strategy for nursing, midwifery and health visiting entitled ‘Valuing Diversity… A Way Forward’ published in 1998.

(MB)