The World Health Organisation has designated 2020 the ’Year of the Nurse & Midwife’ in recognition of the vital role the professions play in health service provision.

The year also coincides with the 200th anniversary of the birth of nursing founder, Florence Nightingale.

The Department of Health and Social Care is using this opportunity to assist in the recruitment and retention of nurses and midwives by raising the profile of the work they do and highlighting the diversity of their roles.

Director of nursing, Cath Quilliam, along with chief executive, Kathryn Magson, and other senior DHSC personnel were joined by some of the island’s finest practitioners for the official launch of the campaign on January 17.

Two banners are curently on display in the entrance hall at Noble’s Hospital which highlight the changes the professions have undergone over the years.

’Nursing & Midwifery Past and Present’ depicts images of health professionals in bygone times alongside photographs of their modern-day counterparts.

’Nursing & Midwifery Autonomy’ focuses on the advancement of the professions and the level of independence now associated with many nursing and midwifery roles.

The exhibition is the first in a series of events being used to promote nursing and midwifery as attractive career choices for school leavers and mature students alike. In addition to aiding recruitment, the promotion will be used to help boost morale amongst island nurses and midwives, improving work culture and encouraging a more cohesive approach to patient care.

Cath Quilliam, director of nursing for the DHSC, said: ’Year of the Nurse & Midwife has provided us with an excellent opportunity to promote the great work our practitioners carry out on a daily basis. Nurses and midwives are highly qualified professionals; some of whom are fully independent practitioners.

’The work they do is amazing - and we need to acknowledge the massive contribution they make to the health of the Manx population.

’We’re also keen to encourage people to consider nursing, or midwifery, as a career choice.

’The work is incredibly diverse and rewarding; with countless opportunities for professional development.’

In addition to assisting with the recruitment and retention of staff, it is hoped that the campaign will help to establish an island-wide nursing and midwifery community, improving networking and facilitating integrated care.

To learn more about nursing or midwifery as a career choice email [email protected]