RCN remembers Florence Nightingale on the centenary of her death

Published: 13 August 2010

EMBARGO: 00:01 13th August 2010

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today paid tribute to the legacy of Florence Nightingale, 100 years after her death. The RCN called for the health service to prioritise high quality care as it faces its current challenges.

Janet Davies, Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery, said:
“A hundred years after the death of Florence Nightingale, healthcare systems have changed, and many of the technical aspects of nursing have advanced considerably. But one thing has stayed the same – a patient looks to a nurse to be caring, compassionate and reassuring. The difference Florence Nightingale made to nursing continues to be relevant to everyone who wants to do the best for their patients, whether they are in the community, an intensive care ward, or a field hospital. As nursing changes and meets new challenges, Florence’s work on hygiene, evidence and the value of care will maintain her legacy – she showed the world why caring matters.”
Ends

Notes for Editors

Little known facts about Florence Nightingale –
• A noted statistician, Florence Nightingale popularised the use of the pie chart
• She was the first woman to be awarded an Order of Merit
• She was the first elected female member of the Royal Statistical Society
• International Nurses Day is celebrated on her birthday (12th May) each year
• A special £2 coin has been released by the Royal Mint to commemorate the centenary. The coins show an image of a pulse being taken.

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.