• Bolton nurses share their stories and what inspires them on International Nurses Day 2025
• Annual day of thanks recognises hard work and dedication of nurses
• Bolton NHS Foundation Trust hosted seed planting and service of celebration to mark event

Nurses in Bolton are sharing their stories about their journey into the NHS, as Bolton NHS Foundation Trust celebrates International Nurses Day 2025.

The day is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of nurses and to shine the spotlight on the incredible difference they make to Bolton’s communities.

Nurses in Bolton work across a wide range of healthcare settings, from Bolton One to Royal Bolton Hospital, to provide the highest possible care and improve the quality of life for patients.

‘Nursing is not a profession, it’s passion for me’

Mikkey Michael, Ward Manager at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, leads a team of nurses on B3, the hospital’s Older Person Assessment Unit (OPAU).

I passed out in the year 2014 and I am from India and since 2014 I’m working as a Registered Nurse and recently I’ve been promoted as a Ward Manager for one of the busiest departments, which is OPAU, that is the frailty assessment ward.

I would say Royal Bolton Hospital is a place where I feel like I’ve been always listened to, valued, encouraged, this is place where I found belonging, encouragement and growth.

“To all my fellow international nurses… believe in your journey.

Bolton’s nurses find inspiration to kick-start their healthcare careers from every part of life, including from a young age.

Kirsty Buckley is one of the Trust’s Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioners, based in the Haematology Unit.

I was first inspired by watching hospital programmes when I was little and then just absolutely love looking after people, making people smile and making sure that their time within our Haematology Unit is for them and it’s pleasant and as enjoyable as it can be whilst they’re in hospital, keeping them happy and well.

I came here as student nurse in 2005 and never left. Purely because of the Bolton family, I absolutely love working at Bolton and couldn’t work anywhere else.

Nursing teams work closely with partner organisations in Bolton, such as Bolton Council, to deliver vital health and care services based in local communities.

The Adult Learning Disability Team provides assessments and support for health and social care needs.

Gill Finnigan is the Matron for the service:

I’m very proud to be a nurse because of the difference that we can make and reduce health inequalities for people with learning disabilities.

“I find nursing in Bolton quite a good family and we have an amazing team of nurses within the community team.

I’m proud of the nurses and the work that they do. They’re an extremely strong team and the work that we undertake is just so diverse and the difference that we can make in people’s lives.

To mark International Nurses Day, the Trust invited children from Kearsley Academy, High Meadows Nursey and the Children’s Ward to plant plant flower seeds at Royal Bolton Hospital.

A special service was held in the hospital’s Chapel to celebrate the organisation’s nurses, featuring prayers and a passing of the lamp between nursing staff.

Tyrone Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

Nurses impact so many aspects of our pathways, physically, emotionally, psychologically, with holistic, person-centred care at the heart of it all.

“There are countless roles, but for me, the thing that is unmeasurable around being a nurse is that ability to just be able to, on a spin turn, recognise when a patient needs you before they even know they need you, to recognise a patient deteriorating just with your gut feeling.

“Nursing has its own unique contribution to make and one that should never be underestimated or undervalued.

“It’s the most exciting career with so many different opportunities, but it’s a real privilege that fills your cup up no matter what you’re doing each day.

“Thank you to all of our nurses for everything you do, day in day out.

 

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