Publish date: 12 May 2020
The World Health Organisation has marked 12 May as the International Day of the Nurse. This year coincides with Florence Nightingale’s 200th birthday. As a pioneer in public health, it is fitting that her legacy is used to celebrate all the hard work that nurses do all over the world. Nursing has touched all of our lives in some form, and this day is a tribute to their efforts.
Nurses make up the largest profession in our Trust. We have over a thousand nurses, working in different roles and specialisms. The commitment, dedication and compassionate care that they show service-users, patients, carers and families is unwavering. This represents the very best of the NHS in some of the most difficult times – as we have seen through the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Stephanie Bridger, Director of Nursing and Patient Experience for West London NHS Trust said:
“Thank you to all nursing colleagues at our Trust and across the NHS who stand united in responding to the global Covid-19 pandemic. The last few months have been some of the hardest we will face in our careers but the dedication, professionalism and compassion displayed by our nurses to deliver patient care is astonishing.
I encourage everyone to show your appreciation and shine a light in support of our nurses this evening at 8.30pm.”
The ‘shine a light’ initiative urges people to shine a light from their window at 8:30pm this evening (Tuesday 12 May) to mark the day and show their appreciation for nurses.