New Joint Chief Nurse pays tribute to Wirral nurses on International Nurses Day
The new Joint Chief Nursing Officer at Wirral University Teaching Hospital and Wirral Community Health and Care has paid tribute to dedicated nurses in Wirral as part of International Nurses Day.
With nearly five decades’ experience in nursing, Chris Douglas, who was recently appointed as Chief Nurse of both organisations, describes the profession not simply as a career, but as a calling rooted in compassion, courage and service.
She said: “Nurses don’t choose this profession lightly. They come into nursing because they want to make a difference. What I see every day across both our acute and community services is an extraordinary workforce that is skilled, loyal and deeply committed to the people they care for.”
Chris’s own journey into nursing began at the age of 18, inspired by her mother, who retrained as a nurse later in life after raising four children.
She said: “Watching my mum take that step showed me what was possible. It taught me the power of believing in yourself and the importance of following a calling.”
After starting her career in an acute hospital setting, Chris went on to build a strong foundation across multiple specialties before finding her passion in community nursing. She later became a team leader and moved into education and professional development roles, driven by a desire to support and empower others.
Later Chris moved into senior nurse leader roles, including 10 years as the Chief Nurse of East Lancashire Hospitals, and has led organisations through periods of significant challenge and improvement. Central to her leadership approach is her recognition of the potential of every individual nurse.
She said: “Nurses often underestimate just how much they bring. They have knowledge built over decades of experience, but don’t always see their own value. Part of my role is to raise the voice of nursing, give people confidence and encouraging them to aspire – not just for themselves, but for others around them.”
Now, as Joint Chief Nurse across Wirral’s acute and community services, Chris is proud of the nursing workforce and optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.
She added: “We have nurses across both trusts who have dedicated decades of their lives to caring for their communities. That level of loyalty and commitment is extraordinary, and it deserves recognition and celebration.”
Chris sees great potential for further collaboration between community and hospital nurses, recognising the unique perspectives each brings to improving the experiences of patients in Wirral.
As International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world on Tuesday 12th May, Chris hopes her message will resonate with nurses at all stages of their careers.
She said: “I want nurses to believe in themselves and in each other. Seek out support, find a mentor, and don’t hide your light. Nursing is a calling, and every nurse, wherever they work, has the power to shape the future of care. My role is to support them in achieving that, to help nurture our nursing leaders for the years ahead.”
ENDS
Photo: Chris Douglas, Joint Chief Nurse, Wirral University Teaching Hospital and Wirral Community Health and Care