The day also marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, who is famous for her lamp but also founded modern nursing and pioneered infection control. 2020 has been designated the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife to mark the bicentenary.
The Executive is urging people to shine a light from their window at 8pm on Tuesday 12 May to mark the day and show their appreciation for all that nurses are doing to save and rebuild the lives of patients with coronavirus.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “International Nurses Day is particularly important this year not only because it is the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth but because of the exceptional work of nurses in our response to coronavirus.
“I want to thank each and every one of our incredible nurses who are on the frontline in the battle against the greatest public health crisis of our time.
“I know how much the public’s support and the clapping that has been ringing out from doorsteps every Thursday has buoyed our health and social care workers. It would mean a great deal if people once again showed their gratitude by shining a light for nurses this Tuesday.”
To mark International Nurses Day and the contribution of nurses a number of landmarks, monuments and council buildings across Northern Ireland will be illuminated blue, the colour of the nurse, on the evening of Tuesday 12 May.
Note:
Thanks to a number of councils and the NI Assembly who have agreed to illuminate the following properties in honour of nurses: Antrim Civic Centre; Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards; Ballyclare Town Hall; Belfast City Hall; Burnavon Arts & Visitor Centre, Cookstown; Civic Building Headquarters, Coleraine; Derry and Strabane Council Offices on Strand Road, Londonderry; Down Leisure Centre, Downpatrick; Enniskillen Castle; Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn; McKee Clock, Bangor; Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey; Newry Town Hall; Parliament Buildings, Stormont; Ranfurly Arts & Visitor Centre, Dungannon; Strule Arts Centre, Omagh and The Bridewell, Magherafelt.