Shine a light for our brave Nightingales
BRITONS are being urged to “shine a light” from their windows in a Florence Nightingale-inspired tribute to the nation’s nurses on Tuesday evening.
More than 200 medics have died from Covid-19 – but their efforts have saved thousands of people’s lives.
At 8.30pm on Tuesday the nation is being asked to shine a light from their windows to mark International Nurses’ Day.
It will also celebrate 200 years since Florence Nightingale’s birth.
She founded modern nursing, pioneered infection control and was known as the Lady with the Lamp for her nightly patrols around wards of sick and wounded British soldiers during the Crimeanwar.
Professor Greta Westwood, chief executive of the Florence Nightingale Foundation, said:
“Florence Nightingale, herself a trailblazer during her career, would have been proud at the way nurses have followed in her footsteps as pioneers and leaders in the fight against the pandemic.
“Nurses have been on the frontline, providing expert care and support to patients and their families during these uncertain times. They are truly her legacy today.”
An image of Florence and a message of thanks will be projected on to her place of work – St Thomas’ Hospital, London – as well as on to the British Embassy in Rome and the Italian Federation of Nurses. She was born in Florence.
England’s Chief Nursing Officer Ruth May also joined the calls for people to back this week’s light show.
She said: “I know how much the public’s support has buoyed my colleagues during this testing time. It would mean a great deal if people once again showed their gratitude by shining a light for nurses.
“Their professionalism and skills are helping to save and rebuild countless lives.”
Julie Pearce, Marie Curie chief nurse, said: “Caring for someone during their final weeks and days of life is a privilege and a challenge. Nurses have never had a more difficult time providing care, and we’ve seen them rise to the challenge, from moving into frontline roles, helping families to keep their loved one safe and addressing the understandable anxieties that are being felt.
“International Nurses’ Day is a special time for us all to come together to celebrate and thank every nurse for their courage and commitment.”
Nursing and Midwifery Council chief Andrea Sutcliffe added: “International Nurses’ Day is more important than ever as we recognise the enormous contribution existing and former professionals are making in caring for people.
“They are the beating heart of our health and social care system and deserving of our admiration and respect.”
England’s Nightingale hospitals, set up specifically to treat Covid-19 victims, are named in Florence’s honour.