Bermuda’s 2026 Nurse of the Year highlighted the importance of caring for the island’s ageing population.

Maxine Simmons, a nurse in the Bermuda Hospitals Board long-term care unit, was recognised during a special brunch at Fourways Restaurant & Inn yesterday, ahead of International Nurses Day.

Ms Simmons, who is also adjunct faculty member at Bermuda College, has worked on the island for 29 years and received $500 as part of the award.

She told the crowd of more than 120 people: “Today, we are reminded of the existing ageing population, individuals who not only long to be loved, but cared for with respect and dignity in their later years.

“Here in Bermuda the families, neighbours, caregivers and citizens are working together to ensure that everyone is seen, valued and supported.”

A statement said Ms Simmons “fosters a culture of accountability, compassion and evidence-based practice” as a nurse.

It added: “Her management approach focuses on maximising customer service while minimising waste.

“Ms Simmons remains committed to staying current about evolving nursing practices and actively shares her knowledge through mentorship and education.”

Kelly Pitcher, who led the BHB’s cardiopulmonary resuscitation course last year, was nominated for the 2026 Nurse of the Year.

Ms Simmons’s colleagues at the long-term unit were recognised as Team of the Year during the ceremony, which also featured a welcoming address from Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health.

Ms Wilson said: “I cannot stress enough that nurses truly are the heart of healthcare, serving with dedication, deep compassion and remarkable skill.”

The minister discussed this year’s theme for International Nurses Day, “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives”.

She explained: “This theme sends a clear message — if we want to maximise the life-saving impact of the nursing workforce, we must empower nurses with safe, fair work environments that support full nursing practice, influence and leadership.”

Ms Wilson added: “Empowering nurses is not optional, it is essential. It requires policymakers and healthcare administrators to make conscious, deliberate efforts to sustain the full scope of nursing practice at every level of the profession.”

Ms Simmons urged nurses to empower their patients and one another every day.

She said: “I accept this award, not only on behalf of myself, but the entire team and all those who work tirelessly, often unseen, to make the difference in the lives of others.

“It is not just the care that we give, but dignity of hope, that defines us as we empower one another and save lives.”