Celebrating the life saving impact of empowered nursing

12 May 2026

Hywel Dda University Health Board is marking International Nurses Day on 12 May by recognising and celebrating the vital contribution nurses make to patients, families and communities across mid and west Wales.

This year’s theme, ‘Empowered Nurses Save Lives’, reflects the essential role nurses play every day, delivering high‑quality, compassionate care, often in challenging circumstances and at some of the most critical moments in people’s lives.

Nurses work across a wide range of settings including hospitals, community services, primary care, education, research and leadership roles. Supporting and empowering the nursing workforce is key to enabling nurses to use their skills fully, continue to develop professionally, and confidently lead improvements in care.

Sharon Daniel, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “International Nurses Day is an important opportunity to recognise the incredible difference our nurses make every single day. Empowered nurses save lives, and we see this through the skill, compassion and professionalism shown across our services.

“As we review our Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Framework, Empowered to Care, this is a timely moment to reinforce our commitment to supporting the nursing profession to grow, lead and shape services throughout their careers. When our staff feel valued, trusted and supported, teams are stronger and patient care is safer and more effective.”

Nursing is founded on teamwork, with nurses working at the heart of multi‑disciplinary teams alongside medical colleagues, allied health professionals and others to deliver joined‑up, person‑centred care. This collaborative approach supports the Health Board’s wider ambition of improving health and wellbeing and providing care closer to home.

International Nurses Day provides an opportunity to pause and say thank you to the nursing and midwifery workforce for their dedication, expertise and commitment to caring for others.

For more information visit: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/working-for-us/nursing-and-healthcare/