"I cannot say it enough but thank you"
Louise Crosby, Director of Nursing and Governance at Newham Hospital reflects on what’s been an incredibly challenging year for nurses and why on International Nurses Day, in International Year of the Nurse, there’s no denying that nurses are a voice to lead – a vision for future healthcare .
“The last year has been one of the most challenging we’ve ever seen in healthcare – both physically and emotionally. Throughout this year I have never felt so proud to be a nurse and of the nursing teams and individuals I work with.
“I am incredibly thankful and in awe of the hard work, commitment and dedication of all the nurses at Newham Hospital. I have never witnessed such flexibility, adaption to change and support of each other as much as at this time. The care delivered, despite very low staffing levels and incredibly challenging circumstances, was exceptional. I cannot say thank you enough.
“As nurses we are dedicated to continuously learning new skills and adapting to our environment. The nurses at Newham Hospital did both continuously over this past year.
“As well as adapting, learning new skills, working with new teams and delivering high standards of care, the nurses at Newham Hospital also stood forward and led all areas of the hospital.
“Leadership includes working collaboratively with other teams to deliver good care. It also includes supporting your colleagues and teams to work outside of their usual boundaries and continue working under extreme pressure. These qualities and this approach to leadership from our nurses was visible across the whole hospital and was very impressive.
“Our nurses are now in a position to move forward from this pandemic and be leaders in standards of care, education and innovation across the hospital, Bart’s Health and beyond. Their tireless efforts have shown that the next stage of health care can be transformed by driving forward innovations in nursing, ultimately helping shape the future of healthcare. It’s a journey I look forward to being part of.
“I feel so proud to be a nurse and proud of the nursing teams and individuals I work with at Newham Hospital. I am in awe of you all. I cannot say it enough but thank you - thank you all again for being such a fantastic team over the past year. I hope you are all very proud. I know I am.
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