On 14th May, Nursing Now Spain launched with a national event, organised by the Spanish General Council of Nursing. Key international high-level health and nursing stakeholders, including Lord Nigel Crisp, Nursing Now co-chair; Adelaida Zabalegui Yárnoz, Nursing Now Board Member; and Howard Catton, CEO of ICN attended the event, with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General providing a filmed message of support.
All of the key speakers highlighted the fact that nurses play a crucial role in health promotion, disease prevention and treatment, and their involvement in the policy debate is fundamental to ensuring health for all.
The acting Spanish Minister of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare, Maria Luisa Carcedo, also participated in the launch event. She told participants that the nursing profession is “without any doubt”, fundamental in the health system. “It is the profession that guarantees the continuity of care in health centres and provides 24-hour service over 24 hours,” she explained.
Nursing and midwives “are essential to achieve universal quality coverage,” said Maria Luisa Carcedo. “The full potential of midwives should also be acknowledged to be able to work to the full extent of their knowledge and skills.”
During her speech, the minister spoke of existing challenges, such as the need for greater investment to improve training, professional development and employment conditions for the nursing profession.
