International Nurses Day the ‘most poignant’
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.
Yesterday also marked the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.
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.” She added: “Of course, these traits are embodied by nurses across the country every day of every year and this International Day of the Nurse is part of the first International Year of the Nurse and Midwife marking the bicentenary anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale.”
In another tribute to Nightingale, seven temporary hospitals have been named after her and set up across England to help cope with the Covid-19 crisis.
A similar hospital in Glasgow was named after Louisa Jordan – a Scottish nurse who died in service during the First World War.
Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi has meanwhile sent a video message of support to a team of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde nurses to mark International Day of the Nurse.