NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is marking International Nurses Day by celebrating and thanking its dedicated nursing workforce across hospitals, community services and Health and Social Care Partnerships.
Observed annually on 12 May, International Nurses Day recognises the invaluable contribution nurses make to patient care across the world.
The day also marks the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and provides an opportunity to highlight the skill, compassion and professionalism that nurses bring to their roles every day.
Across NHSGGC, a range of events have been taking place to recognise the vital role of nursing staff.
At the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, nurses were invited to drop in throughout the day for cups of tea and snacks donated by Tunnock’s and McGhee’s, to get a massage from Beatson therapists, and to win prizes in a donated raffle.
At the Royal Alexandra Hospital, a new interactive display was unveiled in the staff hub to mark the occasion.
Titled ‘The World in Our Wards’, the display celebrates the diverse origins of NHS nursing staff and visually connects their global heritage to a shared commitment to patient care.
The installation features a large world map displaying nurses’ names, their clinical areas and countries of origin, alongside their national flags.
Coloured yarn connects each tag back to Paisley, creating a striking visual representation of how staff from across the globe come together to deliver care within the hospital.
The display highlights the multicultural nature of the workforce and emphasises the unity that underpins healthcare delivery across the organisation.
Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity shared gifts including notebooks to paediatric and neonatal nurses at the Royal Hospital for Children.
Celebrations were held at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, with a range of activities across the site. On Ward 64 colleagues were invited to enjoy refreshments, share stories, and connect in a relaxed setting. A volunteer from the Beatson also offered hand massages to some lucky nurses, providing a moment of rest and appreciation.
Professor Angela Wallace, Executive Director of Nursing for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Our nurses are the backbone of our health service, delivering compassionate, high-quality care to patients and families every single day.
“International Nurses Day gives us the opportunity to pause and recognise the incredible contribution they make across our hospitals, communities and Health and Social Care Partnerships.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every nurse working across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
“Your skill, dedication and professionalism make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
“The diversity of our nursing workforce is one of our greatest strengths. Initiatives like ‘The World in Our Wards’ beautifully reflect the global experiences and perspectives our nurses bring, united by a shared commitment to caring for our patients with kindness, respect and expertise.”
NHSGGC is proud to support and celebrate its nursing workforce, whose commitment continues to ensure safe, compassionate and effective care for patients across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
