International Nurses Day 2025

12 May 2025

Monday 12 May is International Nurses Day. 

In a short video message Natasha Goswell, the recently appointed Deputy Executive Nurse Director, celebrates some of the achievements over the past year and thanks the thousands of nurses who work across the hospitals of Cardiff and Vale, within nurse-led clinics, in people’s homes and in the wider community. 

Since joining two months ago, I’ve had the privilege of meeting nurses across the Health Board. I’ve been so impressed by your dedication to improving services and your commitment to delivering outstanding care.

The past year has brought its challenges, but there so much to be proud of.

Every day, nurses across our health board go above and beyond.

We've seen cardiac rehabilitation nurses running with patients at park runs, palliative care nurses launching Every Moment Matters to bring enhanced dignity to end-of-life, and Critical Care nurses leading the Gloves Off campaign to reduce unnecessary plastic glove use.

Nurses are leading innovation too.

At UHL, Senior Endoscopy Nurses Stary and Merline trialled capsule sponge endoscopy—a less invasive, time-saving procedure that’s better for patients and will help reduce waiting lists.

In the community, Kim Baker and the Paediatric Continence team are expanding options for their patients - giving children and families more hope.

This year five wards from Barry to Cardiff—earned bronze accreditation, recognising high standards of care and data-driven improvement.

Madeleine Watkins was named RCN Wales Nurse of the Year for her work with older adults experiencing psychosis. Tim Nicholls, Lisa Franklin and Julia Somerford also received prestigious awards with three other nurses runners-up.

And national recognition went to Caroline Trezise for her support of bowel cancer patients, and Rhian Greenslade who received a 2024 WellChild Award. Nurses have been nominated by patients as Health Heroes and have secured scholarships with the Florence Nightingale Foundation leadership programme.

It is humbling to see the compassion, innovation and care you bring every day. Thank you for all you do. It makes a real difference to our patients, their families and the whole health board.

Have a wonderful International Nurses Day.

If you would like to celebrate a nurse in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board or share what makes you proud to be a nurse, please add to our social media posts on the day. 

#IND2025