Metro South Health has reinforced its commitment to the development and maintenance of a specialist addiction and mental health nursing workforce on International Nurses Day 2026.
IND is celebrated around the world every 12 May on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth, with AMHS using the opportunity to highlight its pipeline of dedicated nurses.
Speaking at the MSAMHS celebration event at The Glen Hotel, A/Executive Director AMHS Dr Fiona Dziopa said staff should be proud of their specialist addiction and mental health skills in nursing that are crucial for improving patient recovery and promoting safer environments.
“Congratulations to all our nurses who have achieved their post graduate qualification, and our graduates who have reached the first milestone on their way to becoming specialist addiction and mental health nurses.”
Speaking alongside Fiona at the event, Acting Director of Nursing Rosie Sorrensen saidclear pathways to specialist credentialling are critical for care delivery.
“The National Mental Health Workforce Strategy (2022–2032) states that at least half of all Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, and additionally we are aware that around 1 in 25 Australians are affected by addiction. These figures highlight the importance of having a skilled and capable workforce to meet the growing demand.
“At Metro South, we are fortunate to have this focus championed by our nursing leadership team.”
The day’s celebration also highlighted the success of AMHS achieving its second Pathway to Excellence® designation.
Happy International Nurses Day to all the remarkable nurses across AMHS!
Image caption: Rosie Sorrensen (A-Director of Nursing), Dr Fiona Dziopa (A/Executive Director AMHS) and Kobie Hatch (Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drug Nursing Director, Office of the Chief Nursing Officer) at MSAMHS International Nurses Day 2026 celebration event.