Six months ago the Prime Minister announced the UK would go into a national lockdown.
The head of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has thanked registered nurses, midwives, and nursing associates for their hard work over the last six months.
In a letter to registrants, Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, Chief Executive and Registrar at the NMC, wrote; “Six months ago today the Prime Minister announced the UK would go into a national lockdown to control the spread of Covid-19.”
“A lot has changed in the last six months for all of us. As a result of Covid-19 some of us are having to live without loved ones – some of you will have also lost much-respected colleagues and friends. This pandemic has touched us all, affecting the way we live, the way we work and the value we place on simple things, like hugging a friend. We’ve seen existing inequalities exposed and exacerbated for people using and working in health and social care services which has led to much soul-searching for so many of us.
“So on this day I wanted to take a moment to pause and reflect with you, and to thank you for everything you’ve done. We’ve all learned so much, tackled things we wouldn’t have dreamed of before the pandemic, and proved how strong we can be in the face of adversity.
Pay our respects.
Ms. Sutcliffe continued by paying her respects to the nurses and midwives who lost their lives; “I would also like to recognise and pay our respects to the professionals on the NMC register who have sadly lost their lives during this period. Their loss humbles us all.
“In my role as chief executive of the NMC I’m in the privileged position of hearing amazing stories of how the nurses, midwives and nursing associates on our register have changed lives in health and social care. Those stories have always been there, but there’s been more than ever before in the last six months, despite how difficult the circumstances have been.
“Nurses, midwives and nursing associates wherever you work have always held a special place in the hearts of the people we’re here to serve and never more so than now.
“We can’t be exactly sure of what the next six months will bring, but I know you will meet the challenge as you’ve always done – with courage and compassion. Whatever happens next, we at the NMC will do all we can to support you and your colleagues so you can continue your vital role providing the safe, effective and kind nursing and midwifery care and support the public need.”
