The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Northern Ireland has collaborated with the Florence Nightingale Foundation, Department of Health and a number of other nursing and midwifery organisations to produce an exhibition to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale and the contribution of nursing and midwifery in Northern Ireland.
The exhibition was due to launch in the Ulster Museum just as the lockdown was announced. It has now been made accessible digitally, showing the contributions nursing has made during wartime, the Troubles and nursing education and innovation in Northern Ireland.
The exhibition also planned to feature other items including nurses’ uniforms and an original letter, held by the Royal College of Nursing, from Florence Nightingale to local woman Anne Standin Allen who was a member of Northern Ireland’s Quaker community.
Pat Cullen, Director of the RCN in Northern Ireland said: “Members of the RCN Northern Ireland History of Nursing Network have been working with the Florence Nightingale Foundation for the past year to contribute to this important exhibition. This year was designated as the year of the nurse and midwife, but the meaning of this has translated into something very different to the celebrations that we had originally planned.
“It is extremely important to look to our history to see what lessons can be learned and it is fitting that this exhibition celebrates the work of Florence Nightingale who made such an important contribution to infection control and who founded our profession.
“This work has been led by RCN Fellow, Professor Martin Bradley, and it is wonderful that we can now view the exhibition virtually.”
Margaret Graham, Chair of the RCN Northern Ireland History of Nursing Network said: “Nurses have made a huge contribution to society in Northern Ireland, nursing in both world wars and through the Troubles. This exhibition showcases some of these important events and also provides an opportunity to reflect on the developments in nursing practice and education during this important year.”
The Florence Nightingale – Nursing and Midwifery 200 Years exhibition can be viewed on the National Museums Northern Ireland website at nmni.com/fn200.
