Celebrating International Nurses Day

The national event, held on May 12 every year, was marked at the University’s Marriss House health and social care site in Birkenhead, with time for all to reflect on their careers in nursing and enable the next generation of nurses currently studying for their qualifications to remember the importance of their career choice.

More than 135 students took part in a range of activities along with University staff and retired nurses from the local community.

A special nursing edition of the Great British Bake-Off was judged by MP Frank Field with the winner receiving a signed book by TV judge Paul Hollywood. Other events included a giant Operation game tournament; Nursing Through the Ages exhibition with poster presentations on inspirational nurses through history and historical health-related exhibits on loan from the Riverside Museum, based at the University’s Riverside Campus; craft and games room; wellbeing activities including reiki and massage; afternoon tea with retired nurses; an escape room experience and a silent auction.

Money was collected throughout the day for the Cavell Nurses Trust, a national charity that supports current and retired nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants in times of hardship. The Cavell Nurses Trust provides practical assistance, from purchasing new washing machines to paying for rent and removal fees when a nurse may have found themselves subject to domestic abuse.

Organiser and Senior Lecturer/Programme Leader for Pre-Registration Nursing (Adult) at the Wirral Campus, Bex Bailey-McHale, said: “The day is really important to recognise both the brilliant hard work and dedication that nurses give in this profession and also to celebrate the wonderful diversity that nursing offers as a career.

“We chose the range of activities to make the afternoon fun, but also to ensure that it held some clinical relevance, for example we ensured that when we turned two of our skills labs into escape rooms the clues were all related to health, nursing and clinical skills.

“Thanks to the generosity of local business throughout the Wirral and of course our wonderful staff and students we raised a huge £816.46 for the Cavell Nurses Trust.”