(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday 16 May, 2019): National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital held several activities during this period to recognize and celebrate the contribution of nurses to the acute-secondary health care facility.

Nurses participated in a religious service at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Blue Hills, Providenciales and Salem Baptist Church in Grand Turk on May 4th and 5th, respectively. The celebrations in the nation’s capital also included a community service element via the provision of complimentary health screenings at the clock tower on May 8th.

Leaders of the organization conducted rounds across both medical centers and delivered surprise decorative fruit platters to nurses within various departments. These departments comprise of Emergency, Dialysis, Labor and Delivery Suite, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), General Ward, Surgical Suite and the Outpatient department.

The flagship event was the cultural evening held on the premises of both medical centers on March 7th and 9th. The event serves as a platform for nurses and other invited guests to showcase their culture via native cuisines and performing arts. The workforce at the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is vibrant with over 22 nationalities.

The venues were donned in a kaleidoscope of colors, representative of the various national flags. The program included a modelling showcase of national dresses, poems, folklore sessions and a special performance by local artist, David Lightbourne. The event culminated with a feast and other activities included a fish fry and casual night.

Commenting on the observance, Chief of Clinical Services, Mikette Been said: “The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is proud to celebrate and acknowledge nurses week 2019. The occasion is a time to recognize the year-round dedication and achievements of Registered Nurses and Clinical Nurses and to increase awareness of their contributions to the well-being of the people living in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

ENDS