World Health Day

Nursing Innovation

World Health Day highlights how nursing innovation shapes global health. Nurses play a vital role in improving care and health systems, addressing challenges and promoting equity. Nurse-led projects like the Burdett-funded digital initiative at Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust show how new approaches boost patient safety, recovery, efficiency, and overall standards of care.

By introducing a secure digital platform to monitor surgical wounds after discharge, nurses are identifying potential infections earlier, reducing unnecessary hospital visits and improving patient safety.

The project transformed how post surgical care is delivered. Patients receive clearer guidance and reassurance during recovery, while clinicians can make more informed decisions using timely, secure wound images. This led to earlier intervention, fewer face to face reviews and more efficient use of clinical time, benefiting both patients and services.

The work demonstrates how nursing innovation improves outcomes at scale. On World Health Day, it’s a powerful reminder that when nurses are supported to lead change, the result is better care, stronger health systems and healthier communities.

Global Nursing Policy

World Health Day highlights the importance of evidence informed policy and global collaboration to improve health outcomes and research nurses are central to that mission. Through Global Research Nurses, we’re strengthening nursing research leadership in low resource settings ensuring nurses influence global health evidence and policy.

Through Burdett Trust for Nursing funding, Global Research Nurses have been supported to generate evidence that strengthens nursing practice and informs health policy across diverse settings. By leading and contributing to international research, these nurses are improving understanding of workforce challenges, patient outcomes and the role of nursing in health systems worldwide.

The impact of this work goes beyond individual studies. Burdett funded research has helped elevate the voice of nurses in global policy discussions, ensuring that frontline experience and nursing expertise shape decisions at national and international levels. Nurses supported through this funding have influenced practice, contributed to global networks and strengthened the evidence base needed to advocate for safe, sustainable and equitable health systems.

On World Health Day, this work demonstrates how investing in global nursing research strengthens policy, amplifies nursing leadership and supports better health for communities worldwide.

Public Health

Strong public health starts with reaching the people most at risk and nurses play a vital role in making that happen. Burdett funding enabled a nurse led respiratory outreach programme to reach children and young people with asthma who are often missed by traditional services.

A Burdett funded respiratory outreach project led by Stockton Primary Care Network demonstrates the impact of taking asthma care beyond traditional settings and into the heart of the community. The nurse led initiative focused on children and young people who were frequently accessing urgent care or missing routine asthma reviews, often linked to wider health inequalities.

By delivering flexible clinics in community hubs, schools and out of hours GP settings, the project re engaged children who had fallen out of regular care. Over 100 children received comprehensive asthma reviews, all were supported with an up to date Personal Asthma Action Plan, and many showed improved asthma control. Families also received wider public health support, including smoking cessation advice where needed.

This project shows how targeted, community based nursing interventions can improve population health, reduce avoidable harm and strengthen prevention. It is a powerful example of public health in action – led by nurses, rooted in local need, and focused on long term impact.

Leadership

World Health Day is a reminder that strong health systems depend on strong leadership and that leadership must be nurtured early. The Student Leadership Programme delivered by The Council of Deans of Health supported the next generation of nurses and midwives to develop confidence, influence and system level leadership.

A Burdett supported Student Leadership Programme, delivered by the Council of Deans of Health, has had a lasting impact on nursing, midwifery and allied health students across the UK. The programme equipped students with the confidence, skills and networks needed to step into leadership roles and influence change within health and care.

An independent impact evaluation shows the programme significantly increased participants’ self confidence, leadership capability and career ambition. Many alumni progressed into leadership, research, academic and policy roles earlier than expected, while others have gone on to mentor peers, lead service improvements and champion inclusive, compassionate leadership in their workplaces.

On World Health Day, this programme highlights the importance of investing in leadership at every level. By empowering future health professionals to lead with confidence, authenticity and purpose, the programme has strengthened the workforce and contributed to a more resilient, forward looking health system.

Nurses are often the first, most trusted and most consistent point of contact in healthcare. Supporting their innovation and leadership isn’t just good for health systems, it’s essential for the health of nations.

By investing in nursing leadership and supporting community-rooted initiatives, we can ensure that our health services not only meet immediate needs but build lasting resilience for generations to come.