Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has commended the determination of nurses right across health and social care on International Nurses Day.

The public have been asked to shine a light from their window at 8pm this evening to mark the day, recognising the work nurses are doing during the coronavirus crisis. Today also marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale.

South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw said nurses were showing remarkable determination in the face of the pandemic.

“Nurses right across the sector – working in hospitals, care homes and domestically – have shown truly remarkable determination in the face of the current appalling pandemic. Not only have they cared for so many people, literally saving lives in many cases, but they have stuck by their vocation in the most gruelling circumstances.

“We must reflect nurses must have the pay, conditions and support they need and deserve through and beyond the current crisis. Not just should we show more clearly how much we all value them for the work they do, but we must provide support in terms of improved conditions and mental wellbeing beyond the crisis and through transformation.

“I hope even at this busy time nurses will all be able to take at least some time today to reflect on how valued they are and how vital the determination they are showing is to so many people across society.”