Nurses are the backbone of our health system and save lives on the frontline every day, from city hospitals to rural and remote communities. We recognise their leadership, skill, energy and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for patients.

With almost 500,000 nurses in Australia, they are the largest clinical workforce in the country. Nurses are also our most trusted workforce and make the lives of their fellow Australians better.

The future of health care – its safety, accessibility, and sustainability – depends on supporting, retaining, and empowering nurses. When nurses are supported to lead and thrive, the entire health system and every patient benefits.

We also recognise the valuable role of our midwives, following International Day of the Midwife celebrated last week, 5 May.

The Commission’s work supports clinicians, including nurses and midwives, to lead improvements in the safety and quality of health care. We are currently developing the next edition of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, which will build an even stronger foundation to guide nursing and other clinical practice.

The NSQHS Standards (third edition) will incorporate new evidence-based practices, emerging evidence and contemporary clinical governance approaches.
 

Empowerment sustains nurses and protects patients

This year’s IND theme is ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives’.

Nursing expertise is vital to shaping the future of health care, not only delivering care. Nurses lead innovation in models of care, improve access for vulnerable communities, strengthen primary and community health services, and close gaps in health equity.

During my career in nursing leadership, I have seen first-hand that when nurses are empowered, we are more likely to stay in the profession we love.

By empowered, we mean nurses can work to their scope of practice, provide strong leadership, access education and are included in shared decision-making with patients.

Thank you to all our nurses who are dedicated to improving the lives of many Australians.

Yours sincerely,
 

Adjunct Professor Anna Thornton
Chief Nursing Officer

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care