NSW Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross said May marks an important time of recognition for the 53,000 nurses and midwives working across the NSW public health system with International Day of the Midwife on May 5 and International Nurses' Day on May 12.

"Our nurses and midwives have been agile, resourceful and shown skill, compassion and professionalism in challenging times - I would like to personally say thank you to each and everyone one of them for the critical work they do and the difference they make each and every day," Ms Cross said.

"It is fitting we celebrate our nurses and midwives and take the time to recognise their round-the-clock commitment, providing a vital contribution to the health and wellbeing of us all," she added.

In recognition of their role as "healing hearts" within the health service, the Healing Hearts campaign will encourage staff and the community to wear and post the blue and purple hearts, representing the colours of nursing and midwifery on social media using the hashtags #IDM2021, #IND2021 and #ExceptionalCare.

Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) is hosting a range of activities including morning teas, luncheons, choir performances and award presentations to honour and thank the work of its nurses and midwives.

MNCLHD Director of Nursing and Midwifery Vicki Simpson expressed her appreciation for the significant role nurses and midwives have played in the course of the past 15 months in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

"If ever there was a time to put the commitment and compassion of our nurses and midwives on the centre stage, it is now," she said.

"While many people have been able to stay safe at home with their families, nurses have continued to come to work - for us. First in the COVID-19 testing clinics across the state and now in the delivery of vaccinations, and of course in all other areas of healthcare."

In the 2019-20 Budget the NSW government committed $2.8 billion to recruit a total of 8,300 frontline health staff over the next four years, including 5,000 nurses and midwives.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: