12 May 2020
As the world celebrates International Nurses Day on Tuesday May 12, the Trust that runs Shropshire’s two acute hospitals is saying thank you to its own nurses for the care that they provide.
Nursing staff at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford will receive cakes donated by Premier Foods and a number of goodie bags have been gifted.
A host of artists, including James Blunt, Jess Glynne, Mel C and Anne-Marie have teamed up to pay tribute to nurses with virtual concert on YouTube, and these performances will be repeated throughout the day on Trust TV screens. Messages and pictures of support will also be shared throughout the day on social media and a video has been created to share the experiences and inspirations of nursing staff. Please click here to view.
Louise Barnett, Chief Executive at SaTH, said: “This year’s International Nurses’ Day come at a remarkable time as the frontline charge against the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
“SaTH’s nurses demonstrate the true mettle that lies at the heart of their profession and it is fantastic to have this opportunity to show our appreciation and to say thank you for all that they do to care for patients.
“In the UK we show our gratitude to the wider NHS with Clap for Carers every Thursday evening at 8pm, but today the public has been asked to “shine a light” to mark International Day of the Nurse. If you are in a position to do so, please join us in shining a light from your window at 8.30pm this evening.”
Maggie Bayley, Interim Chief Nurse at SaTH, said: “Nursing staff make up more than 50% of our workforce and they truly are the cornerstone of the NHS.
“SaTH’s Nurses are dedicated, selfless and compassionate and their commitment has been demonstrated more than ever over the last few months as we all fight COVID-19 together.
“Our nurses continue to work tirelessly, and I’m proud of the values, professionalism and caring they have shown.”
International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every year on May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.
The World Health Organisation has also designated 2020 as the first ever global Year of the Nurse and Midwife, to mark what would have been Florence Nightingale’s 200th birthday.