#InternationalNursesDay

Today is the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birthday. It is also International Nurses Day which is more important than ever this year as all of our NHS staff work hard to help those suffering with Covid-19, as well as looking after us if we need some everyday medical treatment. 

Florence Nightingale became famous as a nurse in the Crimean War (1854-1856) where she saved the lives of lots of soldiers, and improved hygiene in the hospitals where she worked.  Florence also nursed people in London during the cholera epidemic.  She thought that hand-washing was very important in preventing the spread of disease and urged people to do this well and often - just like we're all doing now!

Have a look at these images.  The hospitals where Florence Nightingale worked were very different from the new Nightingale Hospital in London.