Nurses and Midwives on Duty This Christmas Keeping Tasmanians Safe
23 December 2025
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch will today thank all nurses, midwives and assistant nurses and midwives as they prepare to work throughout the Christmas and New Year period, keeping Tasmanians safe.
ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd said whether it’s in the Emergency Department, the maternity unit or in our community, nurses and midwives will continue to provide care and treatment to some of our most vulnerable Tasmanians this Christmas.
“Nurses and midwives are providing care and treatment 365 days a year across our hospitals, in our community and rural and regional areas, including on Christmas Day,” Ms Shepherd said.
“While many in our community will spend time with their family and friends, our members will be providing essential care and treatment to Tasmanians right across our health system, and for anyone who has unfortunately had the experience of being in hospital or perhaps the excitement of having a baby over the Christmas period.
“They can be confident the care and treatment will be delivered with a big smile and likely a glimmer of tinsel or a Santa hat.”
Ms Emily Shepherd said members wish all Tasmanians a safe, healthy and happy Christmas and New Year.
“We hope, of course, we don’t have to see any Tasmanians in their workplaces this year.
“However, if you are in need of support and treatment, nurses and midwives will be there with the professionalism, care and expert treatment that is delivered every other day of the year.”
Ms Shepherd said understandably nurses and midwives will miss their friends and families while working at this time of year.
“But any nurse or midwife will tell you that it is a privilege to look after our community at this time. Working on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve highlights the crucial nature of the nursing and midwifery professions and, just as the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted, nurses and midwives show up, even if it comes at a personal cost.”
Ms Shepherd said the ANMF, on behalf of nurses and midwives everywhere, wish everyone a Merry Christmas and safe and prosperous 2026.
“We hope Santa finds you all, including our hard-working members who will be wishing for more nurses and midwives, more beds and Santa to work his magic on improving flow through our health system, ready for 2026.”