Nurses step up to the challenge of working during the pandemic

Happy International Nurses Day 2020! As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the world, bringing with it illness, death and disruption to our daily lives, one thing is standing out—the bravery, commitment and dedication of our health and care staff, looking after people in their time of greatest need.

So I will begin by expressing my thanks and admiration to all the key workers who are helping us through this time of crisis. Thank you to the students who have volunteered to work in clinical practice, and thank you to the staff who have joined the temporary register to help us cope. Each and every person in the UK has a role to play in getting through this, whether it is simply following social distancing measures, staying home or working in our services to provide direct patient care. As a nation and as professionals we are stronger when we act together.

The impact that this illness will have on us as a society cannot be underestimated and its effects are going to be with us for some time to come. The social isolation measures are likely to be challenging to our mental wellbeing, and the problems associated with loneliness and isolation will be exacerbated for many. Acts of kindness and support take on different meaning when we are faced with such a threat to our health. It is okay to say you are struggling—this is a testing time for us all and we need to turn to each other for support. I have found the outpouring of support on Thursday evenings an uplifting and life-affirming thing to take part in. I also enjoy the many fun and positive messaging I see on Twitter daily, and it is wonderful to see the celebrations when patients who have been ill with COVID-19 recover from their illness and go home.