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North Mid is delighted to share that one of our nurses, Anne Biggs (second from right in the first photo; right in the second photo), recently participated in the Lamp Procession at the 59th Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service. This symbolic event is held annually to honour the pioneering work of Florence Nightingale in nursing.

Anne joined the procession alongside colleagues and fellow healthcare workers, honouring the enduring legacy of Florence Nightingale's contributions to nursing and patient care. The procession, held on Wednesday 15 May at Westminster Abbey, provided a opportunity to reflect on the values of compassion, dedication, and innovation that define the nursing profession.

During the service, the lamp was carried and escorted by two nurses/midwives, followed by Florence Nightingale Foundation Alumni and then student nurses and midwives. The lamp was gifted to the Foundation by Sir Dan Mason OBE in 1968 and has been used in every commemoration service since his mother was a Florence Nightingale Memorial Committee member (previous name of the Florence Nightingale Foundation).

Florence Nightingale, known as the founder of modern nursing, revolutionised healthcare practices and emphasised the importance of hygiene, patient-centred care, and evidence-based practice. Her legacy continues to inspire nurses worldwide to strive for excellence in delivering compassionate and high-quality care.

At North Mid we commend Anne and all nurses for their dedication to upholding Florence Nightingale's values. Together, we continue to uphold the legacy of Florence Nightingale and advance the future of nursing excellence.

Anne Biggs, matron for the children's community nurses said: “It is an incredible honour to be able to represent North Mid in the procession at the Annual Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) Commemoration Service celebrating nurses and midwives. This service is held at Westminster Abbey each year and it is recognises and celebrates the work nurses and midwifes do and the transfer of knowledge to our next generation of student nurses and midwives.

Representing North Mid in procession at Westminster Abbey is special to me for two reasons.

Firstly, this year marks my 15th year at North Mid it and feels poignant to be fortunate enough to represent the outstanding North Mid nursing teams, and their steadfast contribution to nursing and midwifery.

Secondly, we have invested in nursing leadership at North Mid and we are very fortunate to have a significant network of over 40 nursing/midwifery leadership scholars. Colette Datt, interim director of nursing, has led and grown this network of scholars at North Mid, who are determined to be bright lights across the organisation, leading and enabling change and improving outcomes for patients. 

My personal FNF scholarship was truly transformative, meeting the extraordinary nurses and midwife scholars, with shared commitments to learning and lifelong professional and personal connections. It is an honour to be a part of a group of nurses and midwifes championing and supporting each other and to be in the presence of work colleagues, FNF scholars and a community of nurses and midwifes from across the country is extremely special.”

Professor Lenny Byrne, chief nurse and midwifery officer said:  "I’m profoundly proud of all the nurses and our supportive colleagues at North Mid. Their professionalism, compassion, and dedication to our patients and local communities are a source of huge pride for me. Witnessing their unwavering commitment to providing high-quality care day in and day out fills me with immense gratitude. It's truly inspiring to see how they go above and beyond to ensure the wellbeing of our patients, demonstrating the noble principles that define the nursing profession. Working alongside such incredible individuals is a privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with them in fulfilling our shared mission of ensuring patient safety and wellbeing which Florence Nightingale strongly advocated for. “