Celebrating Our Nurses
Mercy Ships is celebrating International Nurses Day today (12th May) to honour volunteer nurses who serve with the charity.
Over the last 30 years, nurses from all over the UK have given up their time and volunteered with Mercy Ships to help people less fortunate than themselves, bringing hope and healing to thousands of patients suffering at the hands of poverty.
International Nurses Day recognises the remarkable work that nurses do around the globe and the comfort they bring to patients undergoing surgeries and medical care.
Many patients that come onboard the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest charity hospital ship, have never seen a ship or a hospital before and they are scared and feel very alone. The nurses onboard not only offer medical care but comfort and reassurance.
Becky Glover, a British ward nurse who has been volunteering on board the Africa Mercy for three months, said: “Volunteering onboard the Africa Mercy is very different to working for the NHS at home. I am working with people from all over the world and the work we do on the Africa Mercy really makes a difference to people’s lives. It is a humbling and very rewarding experience.”
“The facilities onboard are amazing. We have six operating theatres including an ophthalmic theatre, x-ray facilities, laboratories, and even a CT scanner. The Africa Mercy is an exceptional ship that has enabled me to develop my skills as a nurse and work in a very different environment. “
“Nursing can be hard at times but seeing the change in the people that we help makes it all worth while. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”
Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director of Mercy Ships UK, said: “Mercy Ships simply would not be able to carry on with the work that we do if not for the dedicated nurses that give up their time every year and volunteer. Mercy Ships requires around 750 nurses to volunteer each year and the dedication and commitment of those nurses who volunteer is admired and cherished. We would like to thank each one for all their hard work.”
For those interested in volunteering, please click here or contact 01438 727800.