Unsung heroes shine as West Abbey celebrates International Nurses Day

On a day that coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, the world pauses to celebrate the tireless efforts of nurses and care staff. This year, on Sunday, May 12, International Nurses Day was observed with the theme “Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care.” The residents and staff at West Abbey care home in Yeovil were more than happy to join in the celebration, hosting a well-deserved commemoration.

The International Council of Nurses, in 2024, is aiming to reshape perceptions of nursing, demonstrating how strategic investment in this field can bring about considerable economic and societal benefits. International Nurses’ Day is a day to give thanks for the dedication of caregivers everywhere, who go above and beyond the call of duty to deliver extraordinary care and support.

Jess, the general manager at West Abbey, shared her thoughts on the occasion. She said: “At West Abbey, our nurses and staff are hard-working, dedicated, and passionate about caring for others, and that compassion and commitment has shone through even more over the past year. They continue to work tirelessly, and I’m proud of the professionalism and duty of care they uphold.

“All their efforts are focused on delivering the best possible care for our residents, so it’s nice to take this time to show our appreciation in return. It is also lovely to celebrate our residents who were nurses themselves and thank them for all the hard work they did during their careers.”

Robbie, a resident at West Abbey, expressed his gratitude saying: “Thank you so much for all you do for us.” The nurses were visibly moved as they were presented with gifts, cards, and freshly baked cakes from the manager and residents.