Celebrating our nurses: honouring compassion, expertise and community care

Marking International Nurses’ Day 2025 on Monday 12 May, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board celebrates the exceptional contributions of nurses everywhere.

Nurses are the backbone of health and care services, playing a crucial role in primary care, hospitals and community-led care. Their commitment, compassion, and expertise are vital in delivering quality care to our communities.

Growing our nursing workforce

The ICB is committed to building a strong and diverse nursing workforce, offering a range of career pathways and professional development opportunities. Working alongside partners such as the University of Bedfordshire, the ICB is helping to empower the next generation of nurses to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

Agnes Correya, an overseas support nurse in the Practice Education Team at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, began her nursing career overseas and now mentors internationally educated nurses, helping them to adapt and thrive in the UK healthcare system. Agnes said:

“Nursing is not just a job – it’s a vocation that has shaped who I am. Being a nurse and working within the NHS has been a profound privilege; it embodies values that resonate with me. I’m passionate about supporting our healthcare workforce development and advancing excellence within the NHS and beyond.”

Angellamarris Mutonono, Junior Sister at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (MKUH), shared her reflections on five years of service. Angellamarris said:

“Starting my career at the beginning of the pandemic was challenging, but it deepened my commitment to delivering safe, effective, and high-quality care. With the support of my senior management and colleagues, my confidence has grown, and I continue to progress in my career. At MKUH, we value acre, communication, collaboration, and contribution, which have helped me and my colleagues to continue providing care with dignity and respect.”

Joao Barros, deputy associate director of nursing for workforce and professional standards at Bedfordshire Hospitals, began his journey in 2009 as a student nurse in Portugal. Reflecting on his 11 years’ service, Joao said:

“I love being a nurse because I can have a positive impact on patient care and make a difference to those around me. Nurses’ Day is a celebration of our diversity as professionals and individuals and how we can bring our differences together to provide a holistic approach in care that is representative of the needs of our contemporary society.”

Inspiring future nurses

Through targeted recruitment and career development programmes, the ICB is dedicated to attracting and supporting nurses from diverse backgrounds. Its mission is to ensure that nurses across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are equipped with the skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive in their roles, providing outstanding care to local communities.

Sarah Stanley, chief nurse at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“Our nurses are at the heart of everything we do, providing compassionate care, advocating for patients, and supporting families during their most vulnerable moments. As we celebrate International Nurses’ Day, we also look to the future, committed to nurturing and growing our nursing workforce. Whether in hospitals, community settings, or primary care, our nurses make an extraordinary impact every single day.”

If you are interested in exploring a career in nursing in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, please visit the ICB’s Employment Hub, which supports the building of a stronger, more resilient nursing workforce to support the health and wellbeing of our communities.