International Nurses Day 2026: Celebrating the nurses at the heart of our communities

Today we join healthcare organisations around the world in celebrating International Nurses Day – an opportunity to recognise the skill, compassion and dedication of nurses and the difference they make every day to patients, families and communities.

Did you know International Nurses Day is held on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and shines a light on the vital role nurses play across health and care services.

Across our Trust, community nurses support people at every stage of life, often caring for patients in their own homes and neighbourhoods. They build trusted relationships, help people stay independent for longer and work closely with families, carers and partner organisations to provide joined-up care.

This year’s celebrations also reflect the values at the heart of our Trust Strategy 2025–30. Developed by staff, for staff, our refreshed organisational values shape how we work together, support each other and deliver care to the communities we serve.

Our nurses demonstrate these values every day through the care they provide.

They show compassion by listening, understanding people’s individual circumstances and treating patients with kindness and empathy.

They promote inclusion by making sure every patient feels heard, respected and involved in decisions about their care, while adapting support to meet different needs.

They encourage empowerment by helping patients and families take an active role in managing their health and wellbeing and by supporting colleagues to learn and grow together.

They also show accountability through their professionalism, teamwork and commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care for our communities.

To mark International Nurses Day 2026, we have created a short video featuring community nurses from across the Trust sharing why they love being a nurse and what the profession means to them:

One example of this in action was the Somali Community Immunisation Event, held on 9 May 2026 at the Unity Centre in north west London. The event brought together nurses, community organisations and local partners to promote immunisation within the Somali community and give families the opportunity to speak directly with healthcare professionals in a trusted and welcoming environment.

A parent who attended the event said:

“This event is good, like this make it so easier for parents, especially from Somali. It’s reassuring to speak directly to nurses and ask questions.”

Grace Farodoye, Senior Nurse, CYP Health Inequalities Team said:

“I love my role as a nurse because it allows me to work directly with families in the community, promote collaboration with different stakeholders and make a real difference to children’s health. Hosting immunisation events like these gives parents the opportunity to ask questions, address concerns, and access trusted advice. It’s a great example of neighbourhood health services bringing healthcare closer to where people live.”

Another example is members of the Richmond health visiting team engaged with new mothers during baby clinics and home visits, opening up conversations to reduce stigma and raise awareness of perinatal mental health.

Monika Selmani, Specialist Health Visitor in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health, said:

“Organising a stall during baby clinics provided an excellent opportunity to connect with local families and open up conversations about perinatal mental health. Running the stall and speaking with families throughout the week reflected a key aspect of health visiting practice”

Thank you to all our nurses for the incredible contribution you make to patients, colleagues and communities every day.