The dedication, service and commitment of Emergency Nurses to their patients and their loyalty to the nursing profession will be in focus next week.

The nurses will be featured during a week of activities from October 21 to 28 as part of an annual international celebration dedicated to nurses who selflessly devote themselves to safe practice and safe care.

Emergency Department (ED) Nurse Manager, Mrs. Angela Williams said this year’s theme is “EMpowerED Help in a Heartbeat” and that the week is an opportunity to highlight and appreciate Emergency Nurses who are on the frontline 24/7 and are vital to the delivery of health care.

She said, “Their expertise in the treatment of patients who present to the Emergency Department is invaluable.”

Mrs. Williams stated that Emergency Department nurses provide rapid assessment and treatment to patients in the initial phase of their illness or trauma and that they are knowledgeable and competent in treating a wide range of medical, surgical, paediatric, gynecological, orthopedic, and psychological emergencies.

The Nurse Manager said patients are seen in the Emergency Department on a WORSE FIRST BASIS and not a COME FIRST BASIS when accessing emergency services. “The most acutely ill patients are the priority in an Emergency Department, and are triaged quickly on arrival to determine how they will be seen based on their condition,” she said.

Mrs. Williams added,  “Patients with the flu, common cold, skin rashes for over a week, old injuries, simple lacerations, need to access our primary healthcare facilities or health centres, instead of presenting to the Emergency Department where they will have to wait for long periods, as there might be patients with life threatening conditions that must be dealt with.”

This year’s Emergency Nurses Week activities will commence on Sunday, October 21 with nurses joining the congregation of St. William Roman Catholic Church in worship. Wednesday, October 24 will be observed as Emergency Nurses Appreciation Day and a night of fun and games will be held on Thursday, October 25. The nurses will participate in a community outreach project on Friday, October 26 and the week will conclude on Saturday, October 27 with a pool and beach day at the Nanny Cay pool.

Persons are encouraged to support the week of activities and are reminded to access Emergency Department services appropriately.

BVI Health Services Authority is committed to delivering excellent, compassionate, client centred healthcare across the Territory.