July 2026 - National Children's Nurses Day 2026
Celebrating a historic moment
National Children's Nurses Day, held for the first time on 30 June 2026, marked an important milestone for the profession. Given the Association of British Paediatric Nurses' roots in East London, it felt especially fitting that one of the flagship celebrations took place at Tower Hamlets Town Hall, led by Barts Health NHS Trust. The celebration brought together over 210 attendees, including children's nurses from across the Royal London Hospital, Newham Hospital and Whipps Cross Hospital, alongside colleagues from across London and North East London. We were also delighted to welcome student nurses, retired children's nurses, Chief Nurses, educators, national nursing leaders, professional organisations, children, young people and families. The afternoon created a unique opportunity for colleagues across organisations to connect, reflect and celebrate the profession together.
The difference your support made
The funding from the Friends of the Royal London Hospital enabled us to create a warm, welcoming and inclusive celebration through an afternoon tea that encouraged networking, reflection and connection between colleagues who rarely have the opportunity to come together. The afternoon tea was outstanding!
Throughout the afternoon there was a genuine sense of pride, belonging and professional identity. Many attendees commented that it was the first time they had experienced an event dedicated solely to celebrating children's nursing.
Showcasing the impact of children's nurses
The event featured contributions from national nursing leaders, including representatives from the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, the Royal College of Nursing and the Nursing and Midwifery Council, alongside inspiring presentations from children's nurses working across Barts Health.
Sara Amarani, a final year student, who spoke, shared ‘representing student nurses as a guest speaker at the Royal London’s Hospital’s celebration of the first National Children’s Nurses Day 2026 was one of the greatest honours of my student nursing journey. Standing alongside so many inspiring children’s nursing professionals was a powerful reminder of the compassion, leadership and advocacy that define our profession. It strengthened my commitment to becoming the children’s nurses I aspire to be and reaffirmed the values that first inspired me to pursue this career’
Perhaps the most powerful moments came from hearing directly from children and families whose lives had been transformed by the care they received. Their reflections reminded everyone why children's nursing matters and reinforced the compassion, expertise and advocacy that children's nurses bring every day.
Sara Owen, mum to Hari and Sennen, shared ‘I had a very proud mum moment, when the boys took the mic and bravely shared their thoughts on what a dream nurse would be’ Hari (10) who has now recovered from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia following treatment by the Royal London team, captivated the room along with his wonderful brother Sennen (7).
Sennen was particularly complementary of the afternoon tea and informed me he’d tested all 8 of the flavours of the delicious macaroons!
Supporting patient experience through staff experience
The Friends of the Royal London Hospital have always recognised that enhancing the experience of patients and families extends beyond equipment and environments. Investing in the wellbeing, recognition and professional pride of staff has a direct impact on the compassionate care they provide.
National Children's Nurses Day celebrated not only clinical excellence but also the kindness, leadership, advocacy and commitment that children's nurses demonstrate every day. By helping us recognise and value this workforce, you have contributed to strengthening professional identity and creating connections that will continue to benefit children and families across our hospitals.
The event also generated significant interest across London and nationally, helping to raise the profile of children's nursing at a time when the profession is increasingly recognised as essential to improving outcomes, reducing inequalities and supporting integrated care forbabies, children and young people.
Thank you
Thank you once again for helping us make this inaugural National Children's Nurses Day such a success.
Your support enabled us to celebrate an exceptional workforce, inspire the next generation of children's nurses and reinforce the importance of children's nursing in delivering outstanding care for babies, children, young people and families. We are incredibly grateful for your continued commitment to enhancing the experiences of children, young people, families and staff at the Royal London Hospital.
Celebrating our first National Children’s Nurses Day - Barts Health's latest news
Profession celebrates first ever National Children’s Nurses Day - Nursing Times
Kath Evans, Director of Children’s Nursing, Barts Health
July 2026