Hundreds of nurses across Bermuda are being thanked for all their hard work with a week-long series of events.

Nurses Week 2007 includes a church service, fun golf competition, bowling evening, a number of special lunches and other activities throughout the next few days.

It was launched with a proclamation at the City Hall yesterday, with speeches from key people within the health system on the Island.

Psychiatric nurse Dawn Johnson, president of the Bermuda Nurses Association and training officer for education services at Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB), said: "This week is really, really special. Bermuda does things like this really well.

"It's important that we make a fuss of our nurses because they work so hard and put so much into their work. To be a nurse, you have to be truly called. It has to be something you want to do with all your heart and soul."

Surgical educator Robin O'Neil, who has been a nurse for more than 20 years, said: "Nurses in general work very, very hard. We are a caring profession, and we are committed to using our skills so that we can truly change the health and wellness of our clients.

"It takes a special person to do that."

BHB CEO David Hill said: "Nurses are the foundation of quality care at the hospitals and we are proud to acknowledge our skilled an experienced nursing professionals in Nurses Week.

"We recognise that caring for our patients starts by caring for our healthcare professionals and the environment in which they work.

"Our nurses are the heart of our healthcare service. They are highly trained, professional and caring — an amazing combination of skill and compassion."