Minister acknowledges National Nursing Week

Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services, today acknowledged May 6-11 as National Nursing Week.

The week is set aside annually to recognize and celebrate the contributions nurses make to the health and community services system throughout the year. This year�s theme is Nurses Always There For You: Caring For Families.

"The health of the family is particularly important in shaping a strong and vibrant society. Nurses help individuals and families make healthy choices as well as promote prevention and early intervention," said Minister Smith. "They also help people cope with illness and chronic disability by working directly with them in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Through these efforts nurses are helping to ensure the strength of the most fundamental building block of society � our families."

This year�s theme aims to increase awareness of the nurse�s role in family care and family health. "Today, health is becoming a process of partnership in which the family is actively engaged in its own care. Nurses do more than provide care; they are also educators, researchers and advocates for individuals and families," said Minister Smith.

There are approximately 5,600 practicing nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador. Government remains committed to working with nurses, individuals and families to promote health, prevent illness and provide cures, care and rehabilitation services.

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

2002 05 06                        10:10 a.m.