Mercy Ships is celebrating International Nurses Day today (12th May) by extending a heartfelt thanks to the thousands of nurses who have volunteered onboard the ship over the last 30 years.

International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on the birth date of Florence Nightingale. It is a day to recognise and learn about the important work that nurses do and a day to celebrate worldwide the nursing profession.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Mercy Ships currently has 70 nursing positions onboard the Africa Mercy – the world’s largest charity hospital ship.

Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director of Mercy Ships UK, said: “Mercy Ships could not carry out the lifesaving work that it does around the globe without the heroic efforts of our volunteer nurses, who selflessly give up their time and skills. For many, our volunteers offer the only chance of receiving medical treatment to correct illnesses which have a hugely detrimental impact on their lives.

“International Nurses day is an extremely important day to recognise the commitment of nurses around the world and we would like to thank all our volunteer nurses for their exceptional work over the last 30 years.”

Beverley Sutton, a nurse who volunteered with Mercy Ships for seven years, said: “Working with Mercy Ships is truly rewarding. It has opened up my eyes to what nursing can offer people in what can be, at times, extremely hard work. You do have to be 100% committed to it and having a day that recognises this is really special.”

International Nurses day is organised by the International Council of Nurses. One of the central initiatives in commemorating this day is the production of an International Nurse’s day kit. This is distributed every year for nurses worldwide and provides them with vital best practice guidelines, educational and public information materials.

For those interested in volunteering with Mercy Ships, click here or contact 01438 727800.
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