International Nurses Day Celebrating Our Nurses
On International Nurses Day, we are proud to shine a spotlight on just some of the nurses working across Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, whose skills, compassion and commitment make a difference to patients, families and communities every day.
From hospital wards to community settings, specialist teams and secure services, our nurses work in many different roles but today we’re shining a spotlight on the people behind them.
Nicola Davies and Terry Kemp are specialist nurses within the Future Care Planning team, responsible for ensuring patients are at the centre of their future care plans. Nicola is most proud of helping give people a voice encouraging truly person-centred care by supporting individuals to express their wishes, values and priorities for the future.
Terry, who has been a nurse for over 25 years, describes pride in being trusted with “moments that really matter.” He reflects on the privilege of creating space for open, honest conversations, and the reassurance that can come when patients and families feel heard, understood and more in control during uncertain times.
Working in palliative care, Louise McGrath says she feels honoured to support patients and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. She is proud of being able to make a meaningful difference to comfort, dignity and sense of control, while building trusting relationships when people are at their most vulnerable. For Louise, nursing is as much about empathy and communication as it is about clinical expertise.
In respiratory services at Prince Charles Hospital, nurses Louise and Alison take pride in how small, compassionate conversations can lead to life‑changing impact. By connecting patients with smoking cessation support at the right moment, they help open the door to healthier futures, proving that sometimes the simplest moments in nursing make the biggest difference.
For nurses working in community and Hospital@Home services, pride often comes from helping people remain where they feel safest at home.
Kelly Bressington, Nurse Practitioner, reflects proudly on the trust patients and families place in her during vulnerable times. Having progressed from healthcare support worker to advanced practice, she highlights empathy, kindness and teamwork as what truly make nursing meaningful. Supporting patients to stay independent and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions is something she finds deeply rewarding.
Susan Evans, Band 6 Community Sister, is proud to deliver timely, person centred care in patients’ homes, helping prevent hospital admissions while maintaining dignity and independence. Supporting families, providing reassurance and seeing better outcomes for patients makes nursing a profession she feels privileged to be part of.
For district nurse Phoebe, pride comes from the relationships built in patients’ homes – places filled with memories and meaning. She describes the trust developed with patients and families as one of the most rewarding aspects of her role. She also speaks proudly of her team, whose compassion, knowledge and support make nursing not just a job, but something she genuinely loves.
At Taff Ely District Nursing Service, Mollie, Deputy Team Leader, says supporting patients in their final days of life is both challenging and deeply meaningful. Building relationships with families during such an important time is something she finds profoundly rewarding.
On Ward 1 at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon, supports patients with rehabilitation needs and complex discharge planning. Leila finds pride in seeing patients regain strength, confidence and independence. She describes the greatest reward as watching people progress and eventually return home safely, something she says never gets old.
At HMP Parc’s Young Person’s Unit, Lucy Peachey speaks proudly about improving health opportunities for young people aged 15–18. Whether supporting access to healthcare, vaccinations or wellbeing services, Lucy says knowing she may help improve a young person’s health is rewarding in itself.
Emma, Paula and Lois are part of the Occupational Health Nursing team, where they play a vital role in protecting and promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of staff across the workplace.
Lois says:
“One of the things I’m most proud of as an Occupational Health Nurse Advisor is being able to support staff through challenging periods in their health and employment.”
2nd cohort Filipino Nurses in POW
These nurses many of whom arrived in the UK at the very start of their careers - are an integral part of our teams, contributing to the culture, stability and excellence of services across CTM.
Today, we celebrate not just the profession, but each one of us—our hard work, compassion, and dedication to caring for others. Together, we’ve supported one another, overcome challenges, and grown as a cohort, and that is truly special.
Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Richard Hughes, shares a big thank you to all nurses and support workers across CTM
đź’™ On International Nurses Day, we thank every nurse across Cwm Taf Morgannwg. Your pride in your work, compassion for others and commitment to care are felt every day, by every patient and family you support.
Keep an eye on our social channels throughout the day, where we’ll be sharing videos and photos of our amazing nursing staff.