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Prince William and Kate Middleton honour nurses who have died during pandemic

International Nurses Day takes place on 12 May each year

Matt Mathers
Tuesday 12 May 2020 14:34 BST
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Prince William and Kate Middleton have paid tribute to nurses who have died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

On the eve of International Nurses Day, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thanked healthcare workers in a message posted from their Kensington Palace Twitter account.

The post included a graphic of a white candle on a blue background with the message: “On Monday 11th May, the eve of International Nurses Day, we remember all those who have lost their lives to #COVID19 while in service.

“Their outstanding work and dedication to those in their care will never be forgotten. #RememberHealthHeroes @NursingNow2020 @WHO”.

International Nurses Day takes (12 May) – the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birthday, who was born 200 years ago today – to highlight the vital work done by carers every day.

William, 37, and Kate, 38, have been showing support for health care workers and encouraging people to look after their mental health throughout the pandemic.

Last month, the couple launched ‘Every Mind Matters’ which is targeted at those most at risk of poor mental health and encourages everyone to sign up for a tailored ‘Covid-19 mind’ plan online.

The royal couple also telephoned two UK hospitals in a show of support for NHS staff on the frontline of the pandemic.

Nurses account for more than half of the world’s health workers, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

This year, WHO asks that countries ensure the occupational safety, health and mental health of nurses and all health workers.

It also asks that all nurses are given the financial support and other resources required to help respond to and control the Covid-19 crisis and future outbreaks of disease.

At least 100 NHS workers have died with coronavirus, according to the BBC.

Among them are nurses Rebecca Mack, 29, Liz Glanister, 68, Areema Nasreen, 36, Aimee O’Rourke, 39, Donald Suelto, Elsie Sazuze and Gareth Roberts, 65.

MSP and Scottish Health Minister Clare Haughey said International Nurses Day 2020 is “the most poignant in recent history”.

“Their [nurses] sacrifice will not be forgotten. The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the skill, resilience, knowledge and ability required to be a nurse but above all shown the inherent desire to care for patients and their families in a compassionate, person-centred manner.”

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