H.M. Drottningens tal vid Queen Silvia Nursing Award Grand Ceremony

Thank you for joining us today at the Bernadotte Library in Stockholm as we celebrate the exceptional contributions of nurses through the Queen Silvia Nursing Award. Now in its 11th year, this award represents our shared dedication to recognising and nurturing the vital role nurses play in our aging societies. A special welcome to the 2023 winners who have travelled such great distances to be here today.

I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of compassionate and skilled dementia nursing care. Nurses do more than bridge the clinical; they are the bearers of stories, the guardians of dignity, and the vital link between past and present for countless families. You are the relationship builders, understanding personal histories and their relevance to treatment, while paving the way for the future - preserving the dignity of every individual you care for.

Science is making remarkable progress in Alzheimer's research, offering new possibilities and bringing hope to many individuals and families. As these breakthroughs emerge, we are presented with both the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure that our social and care systems develop in parallel.

We must address critical questions around workforce development, patient safety, and education – elements essential not only to safeguarding our nurses but also to the well-being of us all. Nurses are at the heart of creating safe, dignified environments for the elderly, enhancing their quality of life in profound ways. In turn, it is our duty to protect and support our nurses, ensuring they have the resources and recognition they deserve.

Together, we can build a future where both caregivers and those they care for can thrive.

Inspiring a new generation of nurses to explore careers in aged care is not just a necessity; it is an opportunity. An opportunity to innovate, to lead, and to create more compassionate and effective systems of care. We have the power to build a narrative that positions aged care as a rewarding and impactful career choice - one that empowers nurses to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

I look forward to learning from today’s speakers as they share their experiences and expertise in these areas, and I hope we all leave here inspired by their insights. To the esteemed laureates present today, I extend my deepest gratitude for your dedicated service. Your unwavering commitment to the nursing profession forms the bedrock of our healthy and thriving global communities. You are the storytellers who weave the rich tapestry of our shared human experience of aging. You are the guardians of our past and the caretakers of our future.

Let us continue to support and uplift our nurses, ensuring they receive the resources, respect, and recognition they so deeply deserve. Together, we can create a brighter future for aged and dementia care - one where every story is heard, every need is met, and every life is valued.

Thank you.