Nurses and midwives took centre stage at the Royal Free London (RFL) as the trust recognised nursing and midwifery week 2015.  From 11-15 May this annual event incorporated international nurses’ day on the 12 May and international day of the midwife on the 5 May. A series of events and activities across all of our hospitals were held during this week, bringing together and celebrating all staff working in these professions.

Debbie Sanders, director of nursing said:  “We have over 3,000 qualified nurses and midwives and 800 health care assistants caring for our patients, their families and carers 24 hours a day in many different practice settings. 

“I know from the feedback we get every week from patients the difference that they each make. I am proud of each nurse, midwife and healthcare assistant and would like to thank them for all they do.” 

The week began in style with the Cordwainers scholarship awards evening supported by the Royal Free Hospital Nurses Home of Rest Trust. Run as a partnership between the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers and the RFL, it is an opportunity for nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants to apply for funding through four scholarships. The evening also included some very interesting presentations from past scholarship winners and presentations on Ebola and the care certificate.

The evening was a great success and three winners, Scott Johnston, head of midwifery; Justine Lacquiere, clinical nurse specialist in tissue viability; and Laura Palone, midwife, won the Rachel Cox-Davies Leadership Scholarship and will be able to undertaken further study.

Clinical practice events then took place on 13 and 15 of May at Barnet Hospital and Royal Free Hospital which showcased our clinical teams as well as external partners at these popular exhibition events.

Naomi Walsh, lead nurse practice development, said: “I want to thank each and every staff member involved for such fantastic events. Your support for these on top of everything else you do is greatly appreciated. The atmosphere and feedback has been amazing. Stands were interactive, interesting and engaging with everyone putting so much effort into preparing and delivering their exhibition displays.”

On 14 May a special midwifery led Schwartz round was held on “When end of life comes at the beginning.”

Finally an extra special cake delivery was made to all of our nurses, midwives and HCAs on each and every one of our wards to say thank you from the trust and remind them of how much they are valued at the RFL.