World Health Day: Celebrating the work of our nurses and midwives

Today, 7 April, is World Health Day. In 2020, World Health Day has taken on an entirely new meaning. Although the theme for this year, celebrating the work of nurses and midwives, was chosen before the coronavirus outbreak, it is especially poignant during this period of social distancing. 2020 is also the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.

For many, this may be a time to be thankful that they are physically well. Some will be concerned about their own health or that of friends, colleagues or relatives who are at risk, showing symptoms or confirmed to have the disease. For others, the mental challenges of living through this pandemic may be hard to tackle. But one thing we all share right now is our appreciation of the work that nurses and midwives are doing during this difficult time.

As the UK heads into what is predicted to be the peak of the coronavirus outbreak, one thing that keeps us going here is hope and the sense of tackling this global problem together. At 20:00 every Thursday evening, thousands of Brits gather outside their houses and join together in a socially distanced celebration of the NHS, carers and all healthcare professionals by clapping for one minute.

Today, on World Health Day, RSK is getting involved by inviting all its employees worldwide to show their appreciation of nurses and midwives, carers and other healthcare professionals by thanking them and/or sharing their positive experiences of healthcare. You can join in on social media using #SupportNursesAndMidwives and #COVID19. Do not forget to tag us, @RSKGroup, so we can share your thank yous.

May we also take this opportunity to wish all RSK employees, clients and peers good health. Remember, staying at home whenever possible is the best way to stay safe and to keep health care professionals, all other key workers and those who cannot work from home safe too.

If you show symptoms of coronavirus, do not leave your home. In the UK, use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do. You can also find out more information on the NHS website.

If you are struggling with your mental health, you can find a list of mental health helplines on the NHS website.

You can find out more about World Health Day via the World Health Organization’s advocacy toolkit.