Saturday, 16 May 2020

Giving thanks for the carers


The 12th May each year is the International Nurses Day. The date chosen as it was the birthday of the founder of modern-day nursing – Florence Nightingale. This year celebrated the 200th anniversary of her birth. An anniversary that seems rather poignant to remember at this time when we are all coping with life with the corona virus.

I wonder what she would make of it all?

I think she would tip her cap in admiration at all the medical staff and carers, up and down the length of the land who have gone over and beyond the call of duty. We too tip our caps each Thursday at 8pm as we clap in thanks for our carers.

It was a call from God that encouraged Florence herself to embark on her journey into nursing – against family approval. She felt that genuine religion should manifest in active care and love for others. This she displayed in abundance.

She was a strong force of reform in the care of soldiers fighting in the Crimea.
Stephen Paget asserts that Florence reduced the death rate of soldiers from 42% to 2%, partially by implementing hand-washing and other hygiene practices in the war hospital in which she worked. Florence would be first in line today to encourage us to continue with our hand-washing routines. 

She was also known as the Lady with the Lamp. This title stemmed from an article in ‘The Times’ which read:-

She is a "ministering angel" without any exaggeration in these hospitals, and as her slender form glides quietly along each corridor, every poor fellow's face softens with gratitude at the sight of her. When all the medical officers have retired for the night  and silence and darkness have settled down upon those miles of prostrate sick, she may be observed alone, with a little lamp in her hand, making her solitary rounds.

Today there are many such men and women of the lamp walking the corridors of our hospitals and care homes. May we give thanks to God daily for their care, devotion, and sacrifice.


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