Public asked to 'Shine a Light' to give thanks on International Nurses’ Day

Leading NHS nurses from across Lincolnshire are giving their thanks and asking for the public’s support as part of celebrations for International Nurses’ Day.

The celebrations traditionally take place on Tuesday, 12 May, each year to mark the anniversary of the birth of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale.

What makes 2020 even more special is that this year is Florence Nightingale’s bicentennial year, which has resulted in this being designated as the first ever global Year of the Nurse and Midwife by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS), Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) and Lincolnshire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group will be showing their pride and admiration for the nursing profession.

Organisations are also asking the public to ‘Shine a Light’ at 8.30pm on Tuesday as a visible symbol of welcome, hope and warmth.

Speaking on behalf of all of Lincolnshire’s NHS organisations, Tracy Pilcher, director of nursing, AHPs and operations/deputy chief executive at LCHS, said: “Nurses and midwives make up the largest numbers of the NHS workforce nationally and we are incredibly proud of their contributions and achievements.

“Through the current unprecedented challenges, it is now more important than ever to recognise the commitment, skill and expertise they provide in delivering excellent care to those we look after in Lincolnshire. From our students to our qualified staff who have decades of experience, we thank them all for their dedication and innovative practice.

“We must also celebrate and recognise our wider NHS family in both clinical and non-clinical roles, who continue to work tirelessly above and beyond their duties. Together, we make an incredible team.”

Lincoln Cathedral has also pledged to show its support on this extra special occasion by lighting up blue on the evening of 12 May.