If you didn’t already know, it’s International Nurses Day. When you need them, nurses are always there. Today honoured the vital contribution nurses make to our healthcare system.

Catherine Butt reports.

TRANSCRIPT

At Parliament House, praise from the top.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Qld Premier: “Our nurses go above the call of duty. They are always putting patients first.”

It’s also an opportunity for all Australians to express their appreciation.

Beth Mohle, Qld Nurses’ Union: “Just this week the Roy Morgan poll showed yet again that nurses are the most respected profession for 22 years in a row.”

The theme for this year’s Nurses Day is ‘A Force for Change’, something the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation says is particularly relevant in the fight to restore billions axed from health funding.

Wendy McAlister, Brisbane Nurse: “Unfortunately health will never make money, but it will always spend money.”

The Premier says she’s committed to improving Queensland’s healthcare system.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Qld Premier: “My government has a very clear commitment about putting on 4,000 new nurse graduates over the next four years. We’ve budgeted for that.”

The care that nurses provide for their patients is widely recognised. But it’s the additional emotional support that often goes unnoticed.

It’s hope that days like today, will help create better healthcare for all Australians.

Catherine Butt, QUT News.