Health Board invites North Wales residents to join its celebration of mental health nursing
Wednesday, 20 February 2019
People across North Wales are being invited to share feedback on how mental health nurses have touched their lives, ahead of the first ever national celebration of the profession later this month.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is inviting people to share their messages of thanks, ahead of Mental Health Nurses’ Day on February 21st.
Submissions through social media, email or post are invited, which will be shared with mental health nursing staff.
Steve Forsyth, BCUHB’s Director of Nursing for Mental Health & Learning Disabilities, who is himself an experienced mental health nurse, said the inaugural event would provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the role of mental health nurses across the region.
He said: “It takes a very special sort of person to be a mental health nurse, and the contribution they make in caring for people and their families cannot be underestimated.
“We have over 700 mental health nurses working in our hospitals and community services, and I am proud of each and every one of them for the fantastic care they provide.
“There are a number of ways that people can tell us when we don’t get things right, but it’s also important to celebrate the huge positive impact that our mental health nurses and healthcare assistants make for people in our community when they need it the most.
“That’s why we’re giving people an opportunity to get in touch directly to let them know how much their hard work and care is appreciated.
“We’re inviting anyone who wants to send a message to our staff, whether an individual, team or even an entire ward or service, to please get in touch via email, Facebook, Twitter, or by post.”
Amongst those who are supporting Mental Health Nurses’ Day is Malan Wilkinson from Caernarfon, who says she wouldn’t be here today without the support of BCUHB’s mental health nurses.
She said: “I would like to thank our mental health nurses for all their hard work. Without their care and understanding, I doubt I’d still be here. The impact they have had on my life seems near immeasurable. They supported me when I needed it most, but they also gave me faith. Faith that I could come through the dark episodes by working alongside them.
“I’d especially like to thank my Community Psychiatric Nurse, June Jones, who really is a bright star. The support she’s offered has had such a significant effect on my life in periods of real adversity.”
To take part:
Let us know which individual or team you want to send a message to, and any other information you want to provide, using the following:
- Email bcu.getinvolved@wales.nhs.uk
- Send a private message through our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/bcuhealthboard or Tweet @BCUHB using the hashtags #NWalesMHNurses and #MHNursesDay
- Write to BCU Proud, Block 5 Carlton Court, St Asaph Business Park, St Asaph, LL17 0JG