Dorset Council will be flying the International Nurses Day flag in honour of all nurses on Sunday

International Nurses’ Day takes place on Sunday 12 May and celebrates the contribution that nurses make to society around the world every year, on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

The council will therefore fly the flag at County Hall in Dorchester to celebrate and thank all nurses for their commitment and dedication.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "They do an amazing job delivering outstanding care to patients across the world.

"The theme of International Nurses Day 2024 is: Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care.

"International Nurses’ Day is a global celebration that acknowledges and celebrates the commitment and bravery of nurses around the world.

"The day also serves as an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contributions of nurses, raise awareness about the vital role they play in healthcare, and advocate for better working conditions and professional development opportunities."

Across the world, countries celebrate this occasion in their own ways.  

In the UK, there is a service held each year in Westminster Abbey in London where a symbolic lamp is passed between nurses until it reaches the Nurses' Chapel in the Abbey where it is then placed on the High Altar.

This symbolises the passing of knowledge from one nurse to another.