This International day is celebrated around the world on 12 May, the anniversary of the most iconic nurse in history, Florence Nightingale, to mark the contributions nurses make to society. Remarkably, The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated 2020 as the
Year of the Nurse and Midwife, in honour of the 200
th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale.
This year is particularly significant as Covid-19 places nurses and other caring professions under huge pressure.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth commented “I am extremely proud that the Council is taking part in this initiative and showing solidarity with those on the front line. With large hospitals and many community facilities in the heart of our Borough, I know of the great work being carried out here. Our Nurses and other frontline NHS staff are the real heroes of this pandemic we are all fighting against today. It is only fitting that we recognise their monumental effort in saving lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
A nurse herself, Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Anne Marie Logue commented “I see the courage and compassion of my colleagues saving lives in the battle against Covid-19. I am privileged to call myself a nurse and I am delighted that Council are recognising International Nurses Day by lighting up Antrim Civic Centre, Ballyclare Town Hall and Mossley Mill blue. The public support and weekly clap for the carers has been a huge morale boost for the NHS who continue to face pressures like it has never experienced before.”
