International Nurses' Day 2025: celebrating nurses through the post, on social media, and in real life

International Nurses' Day 

…through the post

As part of our nurse anniversaries celebrations, Caroline Rassell, our Chief Executive and each of our Country Directors: Phil Ambler (England), Seána Talbot (Northern Ireland), James Jopling (Scotland) and Ana Palazon (Wales), wrote to all NHS chief executives and national chief nursing officers asking them to recognise the worth of Parkinson's nurses with us this International Nurses' Day. 

We can share that the chief nursing officer for Wales has since reached out to welcome a meeting with our service improvement manager in Wales to find out more about the work of Parkinson's nurses and how they're supported across the country.

If you're a nurse and had contact from your chief executive or chief nursing officer, let us know at [email protected].

…on social media

Over on our X (Twitter) account, our post about the letters got a great response. Read the post here. 

The National Garden Scheme (NGS) also celebrated International Nurses' Day, which fell just after Gardens and Health Week (3 to 11 May) by posting about their Little Yellow Book. Linking to the International Nurses' Day theme, "Our nurses. Our future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies", the digital Little Yellow Book looks at the many ways that gardening can support wellbeing.

Within its pages, Parkinson's UK Excellence Network Co-clinical Lead for Nursing, Amanda Hulejczuk, shares how gardening benefits people with Parkinson's, and also contributes to her own wellbeing. See the Little Yellow Book posts here.

The NGS has supported Parkinson's Nurses since 2012 and has donated over £2.5 million to the charity which has enabled us to fund around 23 new nurse posts.

…in real life

Staying with the NGS, a small group of nurses were invited to NGS Chair, Rupert Tyler's garden shortly before International Nurses' Day to thank them for the work that they do, and to view the tulips which were in full bloom. Read about the significance of the tulip to the Parkinson's community in this news story from earlier this year.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Congress took place from 12 to 15 May, and we were there with an exhibition stand. This gave us the chance to engage with many nurses, introducing them to the Excellence Network education and support offer. Copies of the letter we sent to chief executives and chief nurses were on show, and visiting nurses could also view our nurse anniversaries celebration film. You can watch this short film on YouTube.

Finally, Parkinson's nurses in South East London gathered together at 50 Broadway, our headquarters, on International Nurses' Day for some networking and to hear the latest Excellence Network updates. It was lovely to see you all!