As part of the ‘Berry Royal Christmas’, nurses and midwives were celebrated for the work they do and the sacrifices they make in being away from their families to care for others during the festive period. Nursing Now was thrilled to be able to extend the invite to Claire (nurse) and Louise (midwife) who will both be working this Christmas. Here they tell us about their experience of attending a royal Christmas party – a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the dedication to the nursing and midwifery professions and bring in 2020, the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife in style!
Claire:
“Wow! What an experience we had! Having worked in the NHS for the past 15 years, to be invited to such an event was incredible. It was all very secretive and we were unsure of what exactly we were going to. We received our invitation and headed to the Rosehill hotel just out of St Pancras station on the 18th November. We were greeted with champagne and canapes and asked if we wanted to do a Christmas craft. We choose to make a Christmas Wreath. The atmosphere was incredible and the food and drinks flowed all afternoon. We were really fortunate to be in a position in the room where we were able to chat with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. They asked us about our experiences of working over the Christmas period, and how this time away affects us and our families. To be recognised for our contribution to our roles in this way was such an unexpected surprise. I have worked in intensive care for 12 years and never before have I heard of an event like the one that we attended. When we walked out of the hotel, the whole afternoon felt like a truly magical encounter. It was the perfect way to end a great year and to start 2020 – The Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. Next year will be such a positive year for us as a profession and I cannot wait to see what this will entail. Thank you so much to Nursing Now for making this happen – we will forever be so grateful for this once in a lifetime experience.“
Louise:
“Firstly, I would like to say a huge thank you to Nursing Now for the opportunity and privilege to attend the Berry Royal Christmas party. What a wonderful way to pay tribute to all those who dedicate their time to help others over the Christmas holidays. Having worked most Christmases since qualifying as a midwife in 2012, I have experienced first-hand what it means to spend Christmas away from family and friends. However, whilst I miss out on the Christmas dinner and mulled wine, I certainly don’t miss out on the festive cheer and camaraderie that is unique to working in a maternity unit at this time of year. Having the opportunity to play a part in such an unforgettable moment in the lives of many families on such a celebrated day of the year is very special. The morale amongst colleagues always seems to be high and together, with our mums, dads, babies and families, we celebrate Christmas in our own way. Nevertheless, it was so lovely to be acknowledged for the time we spend away from our families, and the sacrifice our families make, over Christmas and the New Year. Speaking with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge about our experiences of working over Christmas, and the impact this has on those we care for, helped me reflect on how selfless the nursing and midwifery profession is. With the World Health Organisation choosing 2020 to be the year of the nurse and the midwife, the party was a perfect way to begin celebrating the professions.”
To watch “A Berry Royal Christmas” and here more about the wonderful work done by nurses and midwives during the Christmas holidays, click here.
