IN the week that marked 200 years since the birth of Florence Nightingale - regarded as the founder of modern nursing - a new digital exhibition has been launched by National Museums NI.
It highlights the contribution nursing and midwifery has made to life in Northern Ireland and "pays homage to those we are indebted to and celebrate every day".
Florence Nightingale - Nursing and Midwifery 200 Years was originally set to open at the Ulster Museum in March before social distancing restrictions were introduced.
Since lockdown began, National Museums NI has been working to digitise the exhibition and make it accessible to the public.
Alongside the Florence Nightingale Foundation, the digital exhibition aims to explore the vital work of nurses and midwives over two centuries.
It covers themes such as nursing in wartime, during the Troubles and nursing education and innovation in the north.
It also features an original voice recording of Florence Nightingale.
Kathryn Thomson, chief executive of National Museums NI, said they have been working to "find new and innovative ways to make our collections engaging and to reach audiences safely".
"During these difficult times it’s important to maintain access to the arts and culture and this latest show represents our first fully digital exhibition," she said.
"It demonstrates the value of our museums and cultural institutions and the vital role they play in telling the stories that connect our past with our present.
"Its timing could not be more appropriate.
"When social distancing measures were first announced we were keen to ensure this exhibition and celebration of our healthcare workers was made available to the public.
"It pays homage to those we are indebted to and celebrate every day."
Stormont health minister Robin Swann said: "As nurses and midwives you’re playing an essential role in keeping our community safe and it is only fitting that we have this opportunity to mark your contribution.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your resilience, dedication and professionalism during this pandemic.
"We are grateful for everything that you're doing and for the sacrifices that I know you're making."
Charlotte McArdle, chair of the Northern Ireland committee of the Florence Nightingale Foundation, said the exhibition gives "an insight into the past and present work of these health professionals".
"Just as Florence Nightingale wrote to a local nurse with advice and encouragement over 100 years ago, we'd like to use this opportunity to express gratitude to our nurses, midwives, and all those who work in health and social care and to highlight depth and diversity of nursing and midwifery practice which we have all come to appreciate more and more during COVID-19.
"This pandemic has also highlighted how relevant Nightingale’s pioneering work in infection control is to modern day nursing."
To view the exhibition visit NMNI.com/fn200.
