13th May 2026
It was a privilege to attend the annual service commemorating the life and work of Florence Nightingale at Westminster Abbey yesterday, on International Nurses Day, representing the Institute of Health Visiting.
Westminster Abbey
We were encouraged to “pause, reflect and rededicate ourselves to the honour and joy of nursing and midwifery” at this special occasion. Our reflection included recognition of the values at the heart of health visiting; compassion, prevention and advocacy that extends beyond hospitals into communities.
As health visitors, we are invited into the everyday lives of families, often at times of joy, vulnerability, uncertainty, and significant change. Florence Nightingale championed the important principles of observation, prevention and addressing the social conditions that influence health, while also promoting education and training, all of which remain relevant to our work today.
The address, delivered by The Reverend Joyce Fletcher, National Executive Director of Women and Family for the Church of God of Prophecy, spoke powerfully about how nurses and midwives are seen and our personal professional response to the health needs we observe. This resonated with us on how we enable babies, children, and families to be seen, heard and empowered. This can be through small but meaningful acts that support early relationships between a baby and parent, or at critical moments when timely intervention matters, such as recognising developmental delay. We know the difference health visiting makes. We see it in babies who thrive, in parents who feel heard and supported, and in families who feel less alone.
What stood out most was the collective sense of pride and purpose across the profession. Florence Nightingale’s legacy does not only live in history books, it continues in everyday acts of care, advocacy and support delivered in homes and communities across the country. It was a wonderful opportunity to share with colleagues from across the nursing community. We left feeling grateful to be part of a profession where early intervention, trusted relationships, and evidence‑based practice continue to make a lasting difference in supporting giving every child the best start in life.
From left: Victoria Jackson, Sally Shillaker and Maddie Rew
