Canada’s chief public health officer recognized nursing staff for National Nursing Week during the daily federal update on Monday.
Dr. Theresa Tam says nurses contribute to wellness everywhere and we are all better for it.
“We all know that nurses deliver expert care with that special power of nurturing and we have been very aware of the many sacrifices they have made to be there for their patients in every area of health care during this crisis,” she said.
There are now 69,156 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada including 4,906 deaths.
Over 32,400 or 4 per cent of those testing positive have recovered.
In the past week, an average of 26,000 people have been tested daily, while labs across Canada have tested over 1,118,000 people with 6 per cent testing positive.
Tam said Tuesday marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, who revolutionized the field of nursing.
“Their expertise and impact goes far beyond this, spanning every area of health services from education to the development of standards and guidelines, to delivery of public health programs like vaccination, the implementation of infection prevention and control, and contributing to research and innovation,” she said.
Tam said the nursing revolution started small with hand washing and hygiene practices to save lives and raised the standards and profile of nursing.
“So this week let’s all thank Canada’s nurses. Join a 7 pm cheer from your driveway. Draw a thank you sign for health care heroes in your community, or shine a light in a window for all nurses on Tuesday night.”
