Statement from Andrea Sutcliffe on the National Day of Reflection

Today marks the second National Day of Reflection – two years since the UK’s first Covid-19 lockdown. An opportunity to remember all that has happened since then, and what it means for the future.

First, I’d like to express my sincere sympathies, on behalf of the NMC, to all who have lost colleagues, friends and family in this time. I hope you have the space to remember them today. 

I pay special tribute to the nursing and midwifery professionals who tragically lost their lives as they cared for others.

Every loss experienced during the pandemic will have caused such pain. Many working in health and social care have not only experienced this personally, but have supported thousands of people and their families during these dark times. Today it’s important we take a moment to reflect on this.

This anniversary is also a chance to acknowledge everything nurses, midwives and nursing associates have done so far under the immense pressure of the pandemic, wherever they work.  

I’ve been deeply moved by stories I’ve heard of the outstanding work our professions have done to keep people safe. From setting up specialist services to help people in vulnerable circumstances, to delivering millions of vaccines giving us the best chance of stopping the spread of the virus – nursing and midwifery professionals have gone above and beyond to deliver vital care.

Professionals and students have also adapted to huge change and complexity caused by Covid-19, and have been imaginative and innovative with new ways of working in the most challenging circumstances.

As we continue to navigate these difficult times, it’s essential health and care leaders take this learning forward, and build on the adaptability and innovation our professions have shown, to create even stronger services for the future.

And that’s all services, across health and social care, responding to the far-reaching impact of the pandemic on people’s physical or mental health and wellbeing.  We must create a fairer future too by tackling the inequalities exposed and exacerbated during the last two years.

Once again I’d like to offer my heartfelt thanks to the professionals on our register for everything they’ve done, and continue to do for the public we serve. Nursing and midwifery professionals have been at the heart of the national response to the pandemic. On behalf of the NMC, thank you.

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