As part of the celebrations for Nurses’ Day 2026, the symposium “ESG in Healthcare Organisations: The Strategic Role of Nursing” took place on 12 May, providing a moment of reflection, recognition and discussion around the future of the profession.
The event was held at the Delfim Pinheiro Auditorium, in Soure, with both in-person and online participation, bringing together healthcare professionals, institutional leaders and distinguished guests.
In a sector undergoing constant transformation, nursing today plays a central role not only in delivering excellent care, but also in shaping more sustainable, human and efficient organisational models. ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) policies are becoming increasingly decisive within healthcare organisations, and nurses have a strategic and irreplaceable contribution to their implementation — whether through promoting environmentally responsible practices, creating social value or strengthening clinical and organisational governance.
This symposium was designed for all professionals who recognise the impact of nursing beyond direct patient care, as an active force in innovation, leadership and the building of the future of healthcare.
The afternoon began with a musical performance kindly offered by APPACDM Soure, serving as a symbolic and emotional reminder of the importance of inclusion in society and setting the tone for the event.
The opening session featured speeches by Rui Fernandes, Mayor of Soure; Valter Amorim, representative of the Portuguese Order of Nurses – Central Regional Section; and Mónica Silva, Nursing Director at Diaverum Portugal, who framed the event within the organisation’s commitment to valuing the nursing profession.
The central moment of the afternoon was the ESG roundtable discussion, moderated by Arminda Tavares from M42: Renal Services, who led a rich and multidimensional debate. The presentations addressed four complementary themes: Edgar Almeida, from SPN, explored healthcare organisations’ commitment to the environmental future; Jorge Melo, from APEDT, reflected on building social value for a sustainable future; Rui Miguel Cruz, from ULS Baixo Mondego, discussed the relationship between ESG, governance and organisational efficiency; and Susana Pereira, nurse at Diaverum Odivelas Clinic, presented the organisation’s journey towards sustainability in haemodialysis — from planning to action.
Ana Dinis, Quality, ESG & Compliance Coordinator at Diaverum Portugal, then explored the organisation’s ESG strategy in greater depth, detailing the pillars and initiatives that have been implemented and which position Diaverum as a reference within the sector.
The event concluded with one of the most anticipated moments of the day: the Career Awards Ceremony, led by Mónica Silva and Suzanne Pearce (Nursing Director, Diaverum Corporate), recognising the dedication and professional journeys of nursing professionals who have distinguished themselves throughout their careers.
The closing session was delivered by Rui Filipe and Suzanne Pearce, who left a message of gratitude and commitment to the continuous recognition and appreciation of nursing within healthcare organisations.
This symposium will be remembered as a landmark moment in affirming the strategic role of nursing — not only as a pillar of the healthcare system, but also as an agent of transformation, innovation and sustainability within organisations. A recognition the profession truly deserves and that events like this help to strengthen.
