WellChild Joins National Celebration of First Children’s Nurses Day
WellChild is excited to celebrate the first National Children’s Nurses Day alongside other organisations, charities and professional networks across the UK, shining a spotlight on the vital role specialist nurses play in supporting seriously ill children and their families.
Marking what organisers hope will become an annual observance, the day recognises the dedication, expertise and compassion of children’s nurses working in hospitals, communities and homes. WellChild, which has long championed the importance of specialist nursing care for children with complex medical needs, and now has 53 nurses in post across the UK, is proud to stand alongside partners in highlighting the profession.
WellChild Chief Executive Matt James said:
“National Children’s Nursing Day is a chance to celebrate an extraordinary workforce caring for children and young people across the country. As WellChild marks 20 years of our nursing programme, I want to pay tribute to our remarkable nurses, whose work transforms lives every day.
With more children living longer with complex medical needs, the role of the children’s nurse has never been more important. I’m continually inspired by the expertise, compassion and dedication they bring to supporting families through difficult times.
“Families tell us their children’s nurse is their rock – a constant source of support and understanding in an often complex and overwhelming system. Today, we thank and celebrate all children’s nurses for the difference they make.”
National Children’s Day has been organised by the Association of British Paediatric Nurses (ABPN) to recognise and celebrate the vital contribution of children’s nurses in hospitals, community settings, hospices, schools, and across the entire health and care journey for babies, children, and young people.
The impact of a skilled nurse workforce on children’s health can be seen far and wide. Among the many stories shared from the WellChild Nurse network is that of a child who spent most of her first 10 months in hospital due to complex health needs, requiring a foster carer to support her at home. She is now happily at home and preparing to celebrate her first birthday with her foster family, thanks to skilled professionals and the continuity of care from her WellChild Nurse.
Another story highlights a three-year-old boy who, after extensive investigations and a prolonged hospital stay, is now back at home and preparing to return to nursery. His parents are overjoyed to have him home again and to begin rebuilding family life alongside their other children, with their WellChild Nurse by their side.
When asked what the best thing is about being a WellChild Nurse, Alice, who joined the team in 2021 said:
“Being a WellChild Nurse allows me to create a long term relationship with families who have children on ventilators at home. I am able to support them when they don’t know where to turn, and educate and empower them to look after their child. This enables them to get home and stay home for as long as possible.
This continuity of care creates trust and allows me to make a meaningful impact on families’ lives.
I get to witness children grow and develop over time, which is incredibly satisfying. Celebrating milestones and watching them thrive in their home environment is a joyful part of the job.
The multidisciplinary collaboration with other healthcare professionals within the WellChild Network allows us to share ideas, equipment and innovative research.
