Today marks International Nurses Day - and there's never been a more important time to shine a light on their work.

Among those being celebrated is St John Ambulance volunteer Sam Rogers.

Sam, from Dorchester, is the trauma lead nurse in Dorset County Hospital's A&E department, and he has been giving his free time to coordinate St John's efforts supporting the NHS, running ambulances from its hub in Poole.

The 26-year-old's story will be among those featured in St John's online content marking the event.

He said: "I'm volunteering to support my community and my fellow St John Ambulance volunteers who are giving their time,”

“A lot of our volunteers don't work in healthcare, so hospital and ambulance work is very new to them. As a nurse, I'm able to use my knowledge, skills and experience to support them in helping the NHS.

“I know from working in the health service how valuable it is to feel supported. On the south coast, we have had less of a demand from the virus compared to London and other areas, but having support in place and volunteers trained, ready for if and when a wave of COVID-19 cases does come our way is very important and reassuring.

He added: "The charity has played a big role in getting me to where I am today, and now I feel like I'm in a position to give something back to my friends, my fellow volunteers and my community.”

International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on the birthdate of Florence Nightingale, May 12, and, as 2020 marks the bicentennial of the famous ‘Lady of the Lamp’, this year has been named International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

Hospitals across Dorset are showing appreciation for their nurses today, including Dorset HealthCare.

Dawn Dawson, Dorset HealthCare's Director of Nursing, Therapies and Quality, said: "As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingales birth and the International Nurses Day, I want to start by saying thank you to each and every nurse.

“Being a nurse is a huge privilege and although the job we do can be hard at times it is also incredibly rewarding. Each of you will know first-hand the difference you make to the lives of the people you care for.

“I am particularly proud of the way our profession is dealing with the current threat of COVID-19 and those who have dedicated their lives to providing skilled, compassionate care to others."

The Friends of the Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne is an organisation aiming to enhance the amenities at the Yetman for Sherborne and the surrounding villages.

The Chairman of The Friends, David Hayes, said: "On International Nurses Day, The Friends of the Yeatman Hospital extend their admiration and gratitude to the International Nursing Profession and all the nurses who serve within it, while renewing their dedication to the Nursing Staff of the Yeatman Hospital to whom we rededicate our loyalty and admiration."