Health Minister Jeanne Atherden believes nurses could be more involved when it comes to health policy and creating legislation.

Ms Atherden was responding to comments by Maxine Herbert-Watson, of the Bermuda Nurses Association, during the proclamation of International Nurses Month this month.

Ms Herbert-Watson said: “We implore our Health Minister to give us a seat at the decision-making team.

“We are cost effective and care effective and with redesigned health systems and full participation of nurses in policymaking, the healthcare landscape can be transformed.

“The BNA is committed to supporting its members in the goal to improve and maintain optimal wellness for the people of Bermuda. I implore all nurses to join in this journey to make a difference in the health of this country one client at a time and truly be a force for change.

“According to the International Council for Nurses, and I quote, ‘Nursing is often described as the sleeping giant that should be awakened to realise its full potential. Nurses are at the core of health delivery but marginalised from contribution to health policy development and decision-making’.”

Asked whether nurses had the potential to have more input, Ms Atherden said: “Without question. Nurses play a fundamental and critical role in the healthcare continuum and their insight into many aspects of patient care and health policy generally is valued.

“Collaboration is an important part of how this Government approaches the development of healthcare policy. Nurses will continue to form part of the valued stakeholders with whom we consult. The extent of their contribution will not be limited by me as Minister; I welcome their views and input. It is being considered already.”

When appointed shadow health minister, Kim Wilson formed a committee to meet and discuss Government bills in relation to health.

The first person she reached out to was a nurse.

She said: “Nurses should be intimately involved in the formation of healthcare policy. Their input and experiences are invaluable, particularly as they represent the largest sector of healthcare workers on the Island. Most policymakers and legislatures have very little direct knowledge about the nursing practice. As such their involvement can certainly include matters of which they have first-hand knowledge.

“The very first person I reached out to to serve on the committee was a nurse because, as direct caregivers, nurses spend more time with patients than most others within the healthcare system and this input has been invaluable. Healthcare issues are at the forefront of most countries’ agendas and Bermuda is no exception.”