International Nurses Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution nurses make to healthcare and the communities they serve. The 2026 theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” highlights the vital importance of supporting, developing, and empowering nurses to lead, influence, and deliver high-quality, patient-centred care. It also reinforces the need to invest in nursing so that healthcare systems can continue to meet the complex needs of the future.
When did International Nurses Day begin?
IND has been celebrated by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) since 1965. However, it wasn’t until 1974 when May 12 was chosen to celebrate this day, coinciding with the anniversary of the birth of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale.
Brogan’s Story
Brogan is an exceptional Band 6 nurse whose courage, compassion, and unwavering advocacy powerfully reflects the International Nurses Day 2026 theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” and its core priorities.
In a highly complex and sensitive case, Brogan demonstrated remarkable moral strength by challenging senior clinical decisions to ensure a patient’s voice was genuinely heard.
The patient, who had experienced significant trauma, was initially placed on a palliative pathway due to concerns about capacity and refusal of food and fluids.
Despite being one of the more junior members of the multidisciplinary team, Brogan recognised that these decisions were likely influenced by untreated trauma rather than informed choice.
Guided by clinical insight and deep empathy, she spoke up and advocated for reassessment. Brogan personally engaged with the patient, building trust and understanding his experiences.
Her persistence led to a reversal of the palliative decision and the reintroduction of active treatment. The patient subsequently re-engaged with care, accepted nutrition, and began reconnecting with his family, an outcome that may not have been possible without her intervention.
Brogan’s actions exemplify the impact of empowered nurses. She demonstrated leadership and influence in decision-making, promoted safe and high-quality care, and ensured the patient received compassionate, person-centred treatment. Her willingness to challenge constructively also strengthened team reflection and collaboration.
HMP Deerbolt: Resilience and Excellence Under Pressure
During a full prison lockdown, nurses continued to deliver safe, effective care under significant pressure. Patients on unaffected wings received uninterrupted treatment and medication, demonstrating a strong commitment to patient-centred care. Even in a highly stressful and, at times, intimidating environment, staff-maintained professionalism, resilience, and teamwork throughout.
Following the incident, healthcare staff remained beyond their scheduled hours to assess all individuals involved, administer medications, and ensure that those transferred to other establishments had complete and accurate clinical documentation, protecting continuity of care. 
This response highlights the impact of empowered nurses: leading under pressure, prioritising patient safety, and working collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies. It also reinforces the need to support nurses through safe working conditions, strong leadership opportunities, and continued investment in education and workforce development.
Our Deputy Director of Nursing, Chloe Haigh delivers a heartfelt message to all our staff this International Nurses Day.