Barnsley Hospital is hugely proud of all its nurses and never more so than now when they are responding so bravely to the Covid-19 crisis. As it’s International Nurses Day on Tuesday (May 12) we’ve been celebrating by sharing nurses stories through local media and on Facebook.

From 8.30pm on the big day we’ll also be turning the spotlight on nursing by lighting up Barnsley Hospital blue!

There are so many different nursing roles in the hospital with nurses caring for, treating and supporting people from birth to the end of their lives. From emergency department nurses to those on respiratory, cancer, and care of the elderly wards, nurses are working incredibly hard to look after all patients as well as those affected with Covid-19.

Many nurses have been doing their jobs in personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks and visors. Even then, nurses are so innovative they will still find ways to closely connect with patients and show how much they care.

James Dickson, Barnsley’s first Covid-19 patient to need intensive care, got to know his nurses through their name badges, height and shape. Now recovering at home, he said: “Because of the PPE I didn’t know the face of a single person who looked after me but now I know who they are. They are my absolute heroes.”

International Nurses Day is our turn to say a heartfelt thank you to all our nurses during these trying times. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic they continue to provide compassionate care, treatment, support and smiles for patients and families across Barnsley.

Becky Hoskins, the hospital’s Deputy Director of Nursing and Quality, said: “Today and every day, we are grateful to our nurses who care for the people of Barnsley in all kinds of ways.

“Nurses and care staff continue to come to work, providing high quality care in circumstances we have never seen before. Retired nurses are also coming back into the profession to provide the care they have always given and student nurses are supporting our nursing teams.”

This year’s celebrations for International Nursing Day were set to be extra special, and Covid-19 will not stop the hospital taking time to celebrate – with all the social distancing that implies. Barnsley Hospital will be joining nurses around the world to recognise the wonderful work they do.