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Landmarks light up to celebrate healthcare heroes

Guildhall exterior lit up in blue lights

Iconic buildings in Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be lit up on Wednesday to mark International Nurses Day 2021.

Hereford Cathedral and the Guildhall in Worcester will be lighting up in blue on Wednesday evening to acknowledge and celebrate the commitment and bravery of nurses both locally, and around the world.

The day has extra significance this year given the impact the pandemic has had on nursing, and healthcare staff around the globe.

It provides an opportunity to reflect and recognise the outstanding contribution made by nurses throughout the last 12 months, not only treating those unwell with COVID-19, but continuing to care for those experiencing other physical and mental health illnesses during unprecedented and challenging times.

“This year, more than ever it’s important to recognise the diverse and evolving role that nurses play”, explains Michelle Greatorex Director of Nursing and Quality at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it new and unparalleled challenges, that our nurses have taken in their stride. They have changed and adapted ways of working overnight, putting the health and wellbeing of their patients and colleagues ahead of their own fears and anxieties.”

“I have been humbled by the compassion and dedication of our nurses, and I invite everyone to pause and reflect on the vital role they play in caring for patients in hospitals and communities acrBlue lights at Hereford Cathedraloss Herefordshire and Worcestershire”.

The Revd Canon Andrew Piper, Acting Dean at Hereford Cathedral said, “Our experience of the pandemic during the past twelve months has highlighted the courage and tireless compassion that nurses and other healthcare professionals display consistently in the course of their work.

“To be able to care sensitively for other people day in, day out, in the most challenging of circumstances is truly admirable, and we are pleased to be illuminating the great west doors of the cathedral to honour and to express our warmest thanks to them all on International Nurses Day.”

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, the main providers of mental health services and community nursing in the counties are inviting members of the public to get involved by taking photos of the buildings and sharing them across social media with the hashtag #ThankYouHWNurses. Those unable to visit the sites can still get involved by lighting a candle or shining a light at home to mark the day.

Anyone wishing to see the lights is reminded to follow the latest government COVID-19 guidance.

International Nurses Day is celebrated on 12th May each year, the anniversary of the birth of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale.

This year’s theme is Nurses: A Voice to Lead – A vision for future healthcare’ , and focuses on the changes and innovations in nursing and how this will ultimately shape the future of healthcare.

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