Observed under the Theme, “Nurses – A voice to lead – Health for all” Nurses Week 2019 across the Territory was celebrated in a number of ways both by the Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) and corporate community. Photo: VINO

Kelvin Titley, Andrea Wilson and Cathy O. Richards of JAHPHIX/JTV did the ultimate lunch surprise for over twenty nurses who turned up at the Peebles Hospital Cafeteria. Photo: VINO

Nurses presented with lunch as part of Nurses Week 2019. Photo: VINO

The observances, running from May 6-12, 2019, has various activities planned; Hand hygiene celebration, Blessing of the hands and de-stressor programme, Love a Nurse Day, Nurse’s Professional Day, Evening cruise boat ride around the VI and the Florence Nightingale's birthday church service.

Appreciation

The love a nurse day appealed to the general public, who were encouraged to show their appreciation to nurses in their own unique way and several responded in tangible and intangible means. 

The hugs, kisses and motivational words were many from persons as they interacted with nurses on and off duty.

But for the Minister of Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL), The Rotary Club of Tortola and JAHPHIX/JTV, the appreciation shown was physical.

Hon Malone was the cartman for the day, delivering cupcakes and roses while complimenting nurses for the hard work they do meanwhile Kelvin Titley, Andrea Wilson and Cathy O. Richards of JAHPHIX/JTV did the ultimate lunch surprise for over twenty nurses who turned up at the Peebles Hospital Cafeteria.

The team’s words to nurses were, “Thank you for what you do!” as the presented the nurses with their lunch. 

More Surprises

Even with all the appreciation shown, there was yet another element of surprise from the Rotary Club of Tortola who opted to honour nurses of the OBGYN and Paediatric Units at the Peebles Hospital.

The club teamed up with several private businesses which added to the package; clothing vouchers from UMI Fashion and Swag Crew, phones from Digicel and Flow, other gifts from Absolute Unique VI by Andrea Wilson, Gene’s Bar and Grill, Commissioner of Police Michael B. Matthews and Treffle by Kristen Frazer.

All the gifts were shared primarily to nurses attached to the Peebles Hospital and according to one nurse, “Our fellow nurses at the community health centres are most times forgotten and their roles as equally as important as us at the hospitals so we wish if some way or the other they too can be recognized just as us, if not this time around, next year nurses week.”

The sentiment was supported by several others at the hospital with Nurses week continuing until May 12, 2019.