UNISON Rally celebrates International Nurses Day 2020 across the East Midlands

Celebrations for International Nurses’ Day tomorrow (Tuesday) will have special significance this year during the coronavirus pandemic, says UNISON East Midlands which is staging an online rally with guests from across the world.

Members of the public are being encouraged to join the web event tomorrow at 6pm to show their appreciation for every nurse and the work they do. Speakers will include UNISON regional secretary Chris Jenkinson, as well as figures from the largest US and Australian nursing unions.

International Nurses’ Day is celebrated around the world each year on 12 May, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. It provides an opportunity to mark the contribution of nursing staff and reflect on the vital work they do everyday.

UNISON East Midlands Regional Organiser Dave Ratchford said: “International Nurses’ Day 2020 is a fantastic time to say thank you to every nurse, but this year’s event has a special significance as nurses all around the world are in the spotlight on the frontline of the battle against Covid-19. Across the globe, nurses are working tirelessly to provide care in hospitals, residential homes and in the community and we are proud to be able to acknowledge that.”

Notes to editors:
– The event can be joined online [HERE]

– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.

– National Nurses United is the largest nursing union in the USA.

– NSWNMA (New South Wales Nursing and Midwives’ Association) is part of Australia’s largest nursing union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation.

Media contact:
Elliot Dean M: 07852 155730 E: e.dean@unison.co.uk