A BOOK of reflections has been handed over at Forth Valley Royal Hospital to mark International Nurses Day.
Gathered from staff across NHS Forth Valley, the book was presented to chief executive Cathie Gowan and executive nurse director Prof Frances Dodd on Friday, May 12.
It was presented by a nurse and Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Forth Valley branch representative Hilary Nelson.
The branch is the only RCN one in Scotland to capture thoughts and feelings into a book from 2021 onwards and the contributions emphasise the camaraderie and support between colleagues.
Prof Dodd said: “This book of reflections captures the experiences of local nurses across the organisation and is both moving and inspirational.
“It highlights how staff worked together to support local patients and their colleagues throughout the pandemic and is testimony to the care, compassion and commitment shown during this very challenging period in our history.”
CELEBRATION: International Nurses Day was marked across NHS Forth Valley last Friday
Entries into the book came from all across the health board, including from Lynda Coulter, district nurse in Clackmannanshire.
She wrote: “We have faced many challenges throughout Covid.
“However, each one of us has helped and supported each other every day.
“I am so proud of all our nurse’s strength, resilience and high standards of care provided to our patients throughout.”
International Nurses Day is held around the world each May 12, the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale.
Hilary Nelson, who was one of the nurses presenting the book of reflections, said: “As well as learning lessons to support nurses, this year’s campaign will also look at how global health systems must be strengthened to address growing health demands.
“Together our future depends on every nurse, every voice, to not only be on the front lines of care, but also be on the front lines of change.”
The book will later be added to the NHS Forth Valley Archives at the University of Stirling.
CELEBRATION: International Nurses Day was marked across NHS Forth Valley last Friday
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