'Bravery, compassion and commitment': Norfolk's nurses and midwives to be celebrated virtually for response to pandemic

Nurse share their experiences of the pandemic. Credit: Norfolk and Waveney CCG

Nurses and midwives in Norfolk and Waveney are being celebrated for their work and dedication during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The World Health Organisation declared 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwifein recognition of the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale.

However, the celebrations were largely put on hold as the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased pressure on health and social care services.

Now, the Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group wants to hold a virtual celebration to particularly recognise the work of its nurses and midwives.

Kate Smalley, 26, qualified as a nurse at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kate works on the Acute Medical Units at NNUH. Credit: Norfolk and Waveney CCG

The virtual celebrations will take place on May 12th, which also coincides with International Nurses' Day, marking the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

Guest speakers have been invited to contribute and to reflect back on the last year.

Kate Barlow has worked as a nurse for nearly 40 years. Credit: Norfolk and Waveney CCG

Kate Barlow was redeployed to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to provide clinical support during the pandemic.

She started her nursing career nearly 40 years ago, and after initially working on an orthopaedic ward, spent much of her career in theatres, including serving inthe first Gulf war. She spent over 20 years working at the NNUH before becoming Head ofClinical Services at the Spire Hospital in Norwich.

Following Critical Care refresher training last April, Kate spent two months working inthe Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) to support the clinical teams caring for patientsduring the second wave.

Sian Taylor is a critical care nurse at the NNUH. Credit: Norfolk and Waveney CCG

Anna Morgan MBE has been a nurse for over 30 years and is Director of Workforcefor the Norfolk and Waveney Health and Care Partnership. She said nurses and midwives in Norfolk have showed 'bravery, compassion and commitment' during the pandemic:

Donna Loose is a Nurse Manager in North Walsham. She says the pandemic has been the biggest change she's ever encountered in her career. Credit: ITV News Anglia

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