Nurses, midwives, health and care leaders, and members of the wider community will gather at Bristol Cathedral on Monday 11 May 2026 for the first Nursing and Midwifery Service of Thanksgiving in Bristol, a special event marking International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses’ Day.
Held under the theme 'A Celebration of Brilliance', the service will offer a moment of reflection, gratitude and recognition for the extraordinary contribution of nurses and midwives across Bristol and the wider region. It will honour the skill, compassion, courage and humanity that define these professions, and the vital role they play in the lives of individuals, families and communities every day.
The service will bring together colleagues from across health and care, alongside partners, civic leaders and members of the public, in a shared act of thanksgiving for professions that accompany people through some of the most significant moments of life – at birth, in illness and recovery, in times of uncertainty and loss, and at the end of life.
As part of the service, two candles will be lit. The first is in celebration of all nurses and midwives whose hands, voices and presence transform lives, presented by Richard Isaiah, Clinical Community Nursing Team Leader at Sirona, who continuously demonstrates his dedication to providing care and support to both his patients and his fellow nursing colleagues. The second candle is in remembrance of colleagues who are no longer with us and will be presented by Eavie Hockin-Tanner, granddaughter of May Tanner, who was the first black ward sister at the Bristol Royal Infirmary and sadly passed away earlier this year. Together, these will stand as symbols of gratitude, memory and the enduring light of those who have shaped and strengthened these professions across generations.
The event will also feature a specially commissioned poem by Sukina Noor, Bristol City Poet, whose work has become known for its attentiveness to the people, histories and spirit of the city. Her contribution will help root the service not only in profession, but in place reflecting Bristol’s communities and the profound connection between care, service and belonging.
Rosi Shepherd, Chief Clinical Leadership and Delivery Officer (Nursing) for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, said:
“Across our system, nurses and midwives are at the heart of safe, compassionate care, supporting people and families every day in our hospitals, communities and homes.
“This service at Bristol Cathedral is an opportunity to come together to recognise that contribution, and to thank colleagues for the professionalism, skill and humanity they bring to their work.”
Steve Hams, Chief Nursing and Improvement Officer for Bristol NHS Group, said: “‘A Celebration of Brilliance’ is about recognising the extraordinary contribution that nurses and midwives make every single day, often quietly, and sometimes unseen, but always deeply felt. This service is an opportunity to pause, to give thanks, and to honour the compassion, professionalism, courage and humanity that nursing and midwifery bring to the lives of so many people.
“It is also a moment of pride for Bristol. Across our city and wider region, nurses and midwives offer exceptional care in hospitals, homes, clinics, hospices and communities. They stand alongside people in moments of joy, vulnerability, suffering and hope. This service will recognise that brilliance and give it the space and dignity it deserves.”
Mary Lewis, Chief Nurse and Allied Health Officer at Sirona care & health, which provides adult and children’s community health services across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, said:
“We are delighted Bristol Cathedral is supporting us to bring together nurses and midwives from all branches of nursing - mental health, social care, primary care, community, learning disabilities, hospices, children’s services, and hospitals – for this special event.
“We recognise and give thanks for the huge contribution nurses and midwives make to the lives of people across our communities. We want to celebrate the compassion and dedication they show each and every day to the people we have the privilege of caring for.”
Sarah Jones, Chief Nursing Officer at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, said:
“International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses’ Day are wonderful opportunities for us to recognise the impact our nurses and midwives have across the Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset area.
“The kindness and compassion that we see delivered in those moments of darkness and distress, often in challenging and difficult situations, are deeply felt by those who experience such care. Our nurses from all disciplines and our midwives are truly brilliant and deserve this celebration of their amazing contributions. I look forward to joining with professional colleagues and others from across our region in this moment of reflection and thanks for those who have touched so many lives.”
We'd like to thank Equans, ID Medical, The Hospital Company, and Pinkmans for their generous donations, and Southmead Hospitals Charity and Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity for their support. We'd also like to thank The Community Pottery for donating the candle holders which will be used during the service.
The Nursing and Midwifery Service of Thanksgiving will take place at 17:00 to 18:00, followed by refreshments on Monday 11 May 2026 at Bristol Cathedral.
Current and retired nurses and midwives are invited to attend, as are members of the public. Please secure your spot by registering your attendance via Eventbrite: Nursing and Midwifery Service of Thanksgiving Tickets, Monday 11 May • 17 - 18:30 | Eventbrite