Nurses and midwives urged to take on celebratory parkrun
The UK’s most senior nurses and midwives have encouraged members of the professions to take part in a 5k run this month to celebrate International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day.
These two days, in celebration of the professions, are happening on Sunday, 5 May and Sunday, 12 May respectively.
“These events are a fantastic way for us to get together to celebrate our professions”
Ruth May
National nursing and midwifery leaders for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are asking the two workforces to take part in their local parkrun on the closest Saturday.
In England, Scotland and Wales, midwives are encouraged to take part on Saturday, 4 May and nurses are encouraged to take part on Saturday, 11 May.
In Northern Ireland, both midwives and nurses are encouraged to take part on Saturday, 11 May to mark both days.
Parkruns, which are free to enter, are five kilometres (3.1 miles) and take place weekly in most towns and cities.
Chief nursing officer (CNO) for England Dame Ruth May, who took part in one last year to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS’ creation, said the runs were a way to celebrate the professions.
She said the runs could also be a chance for nurses to lead by example through being more physically active.
“Every year, these days offer an important opportunity for us to further recognise the professionalism, dedication and expertise of our nurses and midwives,” said Dame Ruth, who recently announced her upcoming retirement.
She added: “Nurses and midwives, alongside our nursing associates and support workers, are such an integral part of our workforce across the NHS, health and social care, making an enormous difference to patients, families and communities.
“These events are a fantastic way for us to get together to celebrate our professions and, importantly, a fantastic way for us to take steps towards being more active and encourage others to do the same.”
Nurses and midwives, the leaders said, can join in by running, jogging or walking the 5k – or by volunteering at their local event, which can be found on the parkrun website.
They can join country-specific International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day parkrun running groups, if they are taking part themselves.
Kate Brintworth, England’s chief midwifery officer, said: “I am looking forward to seeing midwives across the country join us in taking part in parkrun events on 5 May to mark International Day of the Midwife.
“Whether it’s by walking, jogging or running the course, or lending a hand as a volunteer, these events are a chance for us to celebrate our midwifery profession and recognise the dedication and commitment of our midwives who provide care and support to so many women, babies and families every single day.”
“We often don’t take the time to reflect on the things that make us proud to be a nurse or a midwife”
Alex McMahon
Professor Alex McMahon, outgoing CNO for Scotland, said the parkruns would be a good opportunity for reflection, visibility for the profession as well as exercise.
“We often don’t take the time to reflect on the things that make us proud to be a nurse or a midwife so I would ask you all to do this at these events,” he said.
“In Scotland, our nurses and midwives strive to do the best job they can when it comes to the people they care for. Along with Justine Craig, the chief midwifery officer, we thank them all.”
Wales CNO Sue Tranka added: “International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife 2024 offer us a fantastic chance to celebrate and recognise our nurses and midwives and the vital work they do within our communities.
“We encourage nurses, midwives and their friends and family to join in and take part in the parkrun events on 4 and 11 May.
“Participating in parkrun gives us a brilliant opportunity to come together and show our support and appreciation for nurses and midwives, whilst also promoting the substantial health and wellbeing benefits of these events.”
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland CNO Maria McIlgorm said: “I would encourage nurses and midwives everywhere, to join us at the parkrun events across the UK in early May as we celebrate the International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day.
“This is an excellent opportunity to get together, to get active, to create memories and to help improve our physical and mental health.”
