Say thankyou to Leeds nurses on 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale

Leeds Teaching Hospitals are joining in with International Nurses Day after the World Health Organization designated 2020 as International Year of the Nurse to mark the bicentenary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

Lisa Grant, chief nurse at Leeds Teaching Hospitals said the historical heroine would be proud of the way today's nurses have dealt with the coronavirus crisis.

She said: “I thank all of our nurses, particularly today as we recognise the incredible work they do all year round, and even more so in the fight against coronavirus.

“Florence Nightingale would have been proud at the way nurses have followed in her footsteps as pioneers and leaders in the fight against the pandemic.

“I am so grateful and proud of our nurses. I hope this special day encourages more people to consider a career in nursing.”

Some events have been lined up by the Trust so mark the anniversary.

At St James’ Hospital, the Love NHS sign has been donated for a week by the Christmas Decorators in which staff, and patients have been taking photos of themselves next to it. The sign is always lit and will be shining bright particularly today as part of ‘shine a light’.

There will also be recognition of the work of Florence Nightingale on her birthday 200 years ago. When Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) moved to a new site on Great George Street in 1869, this was designed on the advice of Florence Nightingale. There is also a screening of the short Florence Nightingale Film and NHS Nursing and Midwifery Careers national video in Millennium Square on 12 May at 9:30am, 1:30pm and 5:30pm.

In addition, anyone who would like to say ‘thank you’ by sharing a story of how a nurse or midwife in Leeds has made a difference they will never forget can make a DAISY award nomination via: www.leedsth.nhs.uk/daisy

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