Nurses at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) are being celebrated.

This comes in the lead-up to International Nurses’ Day, which takes place annually on May 12, the date of legendary nurse Florence Nightingale’s birth.

This year, the work of nurses at UHMBT is being highlighted, with the Trust sharing some of the feedback that the healthcare workers have received.

UHMBT’s workforce is made up of more than 2,200 nurses working across the Trust’s hospitals and in the community.

Additionally, more than 350 student and apprentice nurses are doing placements at the Trust, with more than 800 clinical support workers employed at UHMBT.

The Mail: Tabetha Darmon, chief nursing officer at UHMBT

During the recent UHMBT Chief Nursing Officer Awards, various quotes were submitted in appreciation of the nurses.

Some of them include: “This nurse holds all the qualities of a great leader. Personally, she has been a phenomenal role model, a trusting, honest, courageous nurse and an advocate for our patients and our staff.”

Another said: “At every level of her career, she has inspired so many to reach their goal. She goes above and beyond to support, encourage, and motivate her team.”

Another quote read: “She is always willing to go above and beyond in her role. She is caring and supportive of all members of staff.”

The Mail: Dan West, deputy chief nurse at UHMBT

Tabetha Darmon, chief nursing officer at UHMBT, said: “I chose to become a nurse following the death of my son when he was only four years old, from a missed diagnosis of a heart condition.

"The desire to understand, have knowledge and skills, at the time felt strong and inside me I thought I could have saved him. Therefore, my motivation was to try and make a difference to other people’s lives through providing care and compassion, and I still believe that."

Dan West, deputy chief nurse at UHMBT, said: “On International Nurses’ Day it is important to acknowledge the power of kindness and the impact that professional nursing care has on the lives of our community every day.

"I am reminded of an anonymous quote that may be worth reflection: 'Save one life and you are a hero; save a hundred lives and you are a nurse.' Thank you to all nurses for your skill, your commitment, and your compassion.”

The Mail: Lorna Pritt, associate chief nurse at UHMBT

Lorna Pritt, associate chief nurse at UHMBT, said: “I have been a registered nurse for over 23 years. Nursing is a rewarding, tough, challenging, amazing, varied, and empowering career.

"I have been able to study and expand my skills in several fields of work which has meant I have always had something new to learn and discover.

"Some of the best experiences I have had as a nurse have been in times of challenge, when you are able to support colleagues and patients through stressful and emotional struggles."

The Mail: Andrew Thompson, acting deputy associate director of nursing at UHMBT

Andrew Thompson, acting deputy associate director of nursing at UHMBT, said: “I am immensely proud of my profession and often reflect on my practice and experience and the difference that I have made to patients’ lives over the years.

"Despite significant pressures our teams are under, the resilience they display must be commended and their passion for care celebrated."

Professor Pat Cullen, general secretary and chief executive at Royal College of Nursing, said: “Nursing is a highly skilled, safety-critical profession. Nurses dedicate themselves to ensuring that they deliver the best possible care to those they care for from the moment they enter the world, to the moment they leave it - and every stage in between.”