Empowered MDHS nurses, better care for our community.
Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) will celebrate International Nurses Day on Tuesday, 12 May, with a special event honouring the invaluable contributions of nurses across our health services and community.
This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” highlights the importance of supporting and empowering nurses so they can continue delivering safe, high-quality and compassionate care.
At MDHS, nurses are at the heart of care every day supporting patients in acute care, aged care, maternity services, urgent care, palliative care, district nursing, and more, while also training future nurses. They are often the first point of contact and the constant presence throughout a patient’s journey.
“In our local communities, nurses play a particularly important role in ensuring people can access timely care close to home. Whether it’s supporting families in smaller towns, caring for older residents in aged care or responding to urgent needs in emergency settings, their work makes a real difference every day,” said Debbie Rogers, Executive Director of Care, Chief Nurse and Midwife, MDHS.
The 2026 theme also reinforces the need to invest in nursing—through safe workplaces, strong leadership opportunities and systems that allow nurses to fully use their skills. When nurses are supported and empowered, patients and community benefits.
“I thank all nurses for their dedication, professionalism and compassion. Their work continues to strengthen the health and wellbeing of our region,” said Ms Rogers.
On International Nurses Day, we encourage our community to take a moment to thank a nurse for the care and support they provide every day.
“To start the day, we have organised a nurses’ breakfast and coffee at our café in Maryborough, as well as at Avoca and Dunolly campuses, all of our staff to thank our nurses and to enjoy a delicious breakfast together.
“This informal gathering offers our teams a chance to relax together and to be recognised for their hard work and dedication, “said Ms Rogers.