The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Nurses Day most poignant, says MSP
Mental health minister pays tribute to frontline staff battling pandemic
An MSP has said this year’s International Nurses Day “has been the most poignant in recent history”.
Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey paid tribute to the thousands of frontline staff working during the coronavirus pandemic.
This year’s date also marked the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth on May 12 1820.
Ms Haughey said: “Each and every nurse across the health and social care sector has my very grateful thanks during these unprecedented times.
“In particular I want to pay special tribute to the health and social care staff – unfortunately, some of whom were nurses – who have died in the line of duty with coronavirus.
“Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the skill, resilience, knowledge and ability required to be a nurse but above all shown the inherent desire to care for patients and their families in a compassionate, personcentred manner.”
She added: “Of course, these traits are embodied by nurses across the country every day of every year and this International Nurses Day is part of the first International Year of the Nurse and Midwife marking the bicentenary anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale.
“It highlights the hard work, commitment and determination to care and support shown at all time by our nurses.”
In another tribute to Nightingale, seven temporary hospitals have been named after her and set up across England to help cope with the crisis.
A similar hospital in Glasgow was named after Louisa Jordan – a Scottish nurse who died in service during the First World War.
Scotland’s chief nursing officer, Professor Fiona McQueen, said she is “extremely proud” that the World Health Organisation has designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has by far been the most demanding time since I started in post,” she said.
“It gives us a real opportunity to celebrate the fantastic work nurses and midwives do for the people of Scotland on a daily basis and to thank you all for your hard work and dedication at this unprecedented time.
“The pandemic has also shown why nursing and midwifery are fantastic careers for people, as well as demonstrating the skills, ability and knowledge required to provide such a high level of care.”
At NHS Tayside, director of nursing and midwifery Claire Pearce paid tribute in a social media video.
“When we were planning for this six months ago, I assumed I’d be in a lecture theatre somewhere in Tayside speaking to hundreds of people, celebrating the year of the nurse,” she said.
“Instead it’s me, someone from comms and a camera, putting out a little video to thank you all for your contribution.”
Ms Pearce, who said she had loved her 34-year career in nursing, said: “I understand the pressure that nurses are under at the moment – as a director of nursing, but also as a mum as both my children are nurses.
“I do have a moment most days when I hope they will be OK.
“I know they will be OK, but that ‘mum’ part always comes through.
“I appreciate what all of your families must be going through.”
She added: “The nursing and midwifery profession has always had public support, but now more than ever do people recognise the valuable contribution nursing can make, particularly through this Covid period.
“We have responded with professionalism, compassion, resilience and hard work and I’m really proud to say that I’m a nurse.”
Meanwhile, singer Lewis Capaldi has sent a video message of support to a team of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde nurses, to mark International Nurses Day yesterday.
In the message, the Someone You Loved singer, who has a connection to the team, said: “Hello to all the regional services nurses, it’s Lewis Capaldi here and I just wanted to say happy International Nurses Day.
““Thanks very much for all the work you do and hope you have a good day.”
Lead nurse Lynsay Creighton received the message as a surprise for all of the regional services nursing staff.
She said: “Due to the lockdown, we are not able to have the big party that was initially planned. However, this message is sure to boost morale.”
Nicky Connor, director of Fife health and social care partnership, said: “For nurses working in all care sectors including hospitals, nursing homes and community settings – thank you all.
“I am very proud of the vital role that nursing provides to address a wide range of health needs working closely with multi-professional and multiagency colleagues and teams.
“Not only is this International Nursing Day but 2020 is also the World Health Organisation year of Nurse and Midwife. This is a welcome opportunity to shine a light on the professionalism, diversity, care, compassion and dedication of nursing teams in Fife and beyond.”
Lynn Barker, Fife’s director of nursing, echoed those sentiments.
“International Nurses Day is very special this year and not just because we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth,” she said.
“We are also recognising the amazing work all the nurses in Fife are doing in the fight against coronavirus, caring for patients and supporting families.”