This International Nurses’ Day, I want to extend my deepest thanks to our nurses – not only across the South West, but throughout the country – for their unwavering commitment to care, compassion, and clinical excellence.

Every day, nurses across our region support patients and their families through some of the most important moments of their lives. Whether working in bustling hospitals, remote community settings, GP surgeries, care homes, or schools, their contribution is constant and invaluable. They lead innovation, drive improvement, and champion the kind of person-centred care that sits at the heart of the NHS.

The South West is home to some of the most dedicated and skilled nursing professionals in the UK. It’s also a region rich in opportunity, beauty, and community spirit. From the stunning coastlines of Cornwall and Devon to the rolling hills of Somerset and Wiltshire, this is a place where professional growth and personal wellbeing go hand in hand. Our health and care teams are not only delivering excellent care, but doing so in a part of the country that offers an exceptional quality of life.

As we shape the future of healthcare through the 10-Year Health Plan, nurses will be central to delivering change. From shifting care closer to home, to embracing new technologies and focusing more on prevention, nursing leadership is guiding these changes every step of the way.

To those considering a career in nursing – know that it’s more than a job. It’s a calling. With over 50 specialisms to choose from and a supportive pathway including financial assistance like the NHS Learning Support Fund, there has never been a better time to join our profession.

So today, on International Nurses Day, I invite everyone to join us in recognising our remarkable nursing teams. Share a message, post a photo, say thank you – #IND2025 and #teamCNO.

Because in every corner of the South West – from Bath to Bude, Swindon to St Austell – our nurses are making lives better. And for that, we are endlessly grateful.

Jill Crook, Director of Nursing, NHS England South West