University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) marked International Nurses’ Day on Tuesday, May 12, by thanking staff for their unstinting efforts during the coronavirus (COBID-19) pandemic.
International Nurses Day also happened to be the bicentenary of the birth of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. The World Health Organisation and Nursing Now have also designated 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
Tuesday’s celebrations provided an opportunity to shine a light on the role of nurses at UHMBT and across the NHS. It was also a chance to promote ongoing recruitment and to encourage nurses to return to the profession.
Nurses and support workers make up a huge portion of UHMBT’s workforce with 2,542 nurses working in teams across the Trust’s hospitals and in the community. The Trust is proud to be playing an active role in training the next generation of nurses with 69 student nurses currently working on placement.
UHMBT also employs 1,508 clinical support workers who are an invaluable support to nurses in caring for patients.
Sue Smith, OBE, Executive Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive of UHMBT, said: “Our nurses and support workers are irreplaceable at the best of times but with the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, they have taken it to another level.
“Along with their colleagues from all areas, our fantastic nurses and clinical support workers have gone over and above to put our patients first; often working long hours in challenging situations.
“While a lot has changed in the nursing profession over the years, the thing that has stayed the same is the overwhelming compassion and ability to put their own worries and concerns on the back burner and do whatever needs doing to care for their patients. That is what makes the nursing profession (and all healthcare professions) so special.
“To all our nurses, student nurses and support workers - thank you!”