International Nurses Day 2026 celebrated across HSE Dublin and Midlands

HSE Dublin and Midlands is proud to mark International Nurses Day, joining colleagues across Ireland and around the world to celebrate the extraordinary contribution of nurses.

International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on 12 May and recognises the essential role nurses play in delivering safe, high quality and person-centred care across hospitals, community and specialist services.

This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” highlights the importance of supporting and strengthening the nursing workforce to improve patient outcomes and build more resilient health systems.

Across HSE Dublin and Midlands, nurses provide vital care every day. They lead care delivery, coordinate services, advocate for patients and families, and ensure compassionate, person-centred care at every stage of the patient journey.

Eileen Whelan, Regional Director of Nursing and Midwifery, HSE Dublin and Midlands, said:

“Today, on International Nurses Day, we join colleagues across Ireland and around the world to celebrate the extraordinary contribution of nurses.

Every day across our hospitals, community and specialist services nurses save lives. They lead care, coordinate services, advocate for patients and families, and provide trusted, person-centred care.

We also know nurses have the greatest impact when they are truly empowered. In Dublin and Midlands, this means safe staffing and supportive environments, access to education and professional development, leadership opportunities and a voice in decision making, and enabling nurses to practise to the full scope of their expertise.

The State of the World’s Nursing report from the World Health Organization highlights that where inequities in nurse distribution, working conditions, access to education and workforce shortages exist, patient outcomes are impacted.

Here in our region, we know that investing in nurses is not optional, it is essential. When we strengthen leadership at every level of nursing, support research, innovation and advanced practice, and create pathways for clinical academic careers, we strengthen patient care.

This year’s theme recognises that when nurses are supported, health systems are stronger, outcomes improve, and communities thrive.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the nurses across our region for your care, compassion and leadership.”

Regional Executive Officer, HSE Dublin and Midlands, Kate Killeen White, added:

“International Nurses Day is an important opportunity to recognise the dedication, expertise and professionalism of our nursing workforce across Dublin and the Midlands. Nurses play a central role in delivering safe, high-quality care and supporting patients and families every day. I would like to sincerely thank all of our nurses for the vital contribution they make to our health services.”

Nursing care is a cornerstone of a strong and responsive health service, contributing to improved patient outcomes, enhanced patient experiences, and more sustainable models of care.

To mark International Nurses Day, a range of events took place across the region. These events aim to celebrate the contribution of nurses, raise awareness of the profession, and highlight the importance of continued investment in nursing services.

HSE Dublin and Midlands encourages staff, partners and the public to join in recognising nurses and to support this year’s campaign.