The annual procession and service at Derby Cathedral in recognition of nursing combined this year with the blessing of a plaque in honour of Florence Nightingale
The NHS and universities in Derby and Nottingham joined together for the celebration on 17th May, which also marked International Nurses Day. At the service the newly sited plaque, carved by John Shaw who was brought up in Derby and studied at the former Derby College of Art, was dedicated by the Bishop of Derby, the Right Revd Dr Alastair Redfern. John Rivers, chairman of Derby Hospitals, said: ‘The service was a celebration of Florence’s life and an opportunity to reflect on how her legacy still influences nursing today. It is particularly appropriate for it to be held in Derby Cathedral as Florence Nightingale was brought up in Derbyshire and the plaque will forever commemorate the connection she had with the area. The procession beforehand gives people the opportunity to recognise the dedication and professionalism of the hard working nurses we have here in Derbyshire.’
Florence Nightingale had a role advising on redevelopment of the Derbyshire General Infirmary in the 1860s and in honour of her work she was immortalised with a statue on London Road in Derby. The area is to be named the Nightingale Quarter.
