On the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale and in the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, at a time when nurses and nursing are uppermost in all our minds, the nursing profession truly has something to celebrate!
Today the Court of Aldermen of the City of London considered the Petition submitted by the Court of The Guild of Nurses and approved the Guild’s recognition as a City Company. From now on, as ‘The Company of Nurses’, they will continue their work with a view to obtaining a Grant of Livery and joining the existing 110 Livery Companies, the oldest of which dates back to the 12th Century.
As with all Livery Companies, the core values of benevolence, education, fellowship and charitable giving will continue to guide all that they do.
Speaking after the decision, Liz Turnbull, Master of the now, Company of Nurses said:
“I would like to thank all those who have helped us attain this goal as we now develop as a Company and become eligible for a Grant of Livery. Our Freemen have supported us over the last 4 years and I must also thank the City for the warmth and fellowship we have received.
Our thoughts continue to be with nurses in all specialities, who are looking after patients during this current crisis - in the NHS, care homes and the community.
The ties of fellowship for nurses go very deep and we truly understand what a difficult time this must be for nurses across the country and for their families and friends. But nurses always take pride in their work and The Company of Nurses echoes that pride. This will be a memorable time for our noble profession, and for all nurses, Past, Present and Future.”
Sponsoring Alderman, Sir Andrew Parmley former Lord Mayor:
“As sponsoring Alderman, I cannot begin to say how proud I am of all that the Guild of Nurses has achieved since its founding in 2016. To be granted the status of Company Without Livery demonstrates the confidence the Court of Aldermen, the City and the City’s family of Livery Companies have in the Nurses. While the Company has many qualities, I am particularly pleased that it has been committed to inclusion from its earliest moment. The founders were at pains to ensure that the Guild, now Company, would be accessible to every nurse without discrimination of any kind. I am delighted that the Nurses have reached this milestone during the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife and the bicentenary of Florence Nightingale. Add to that, as I write, the backdrop of Covid-19 and the huge reliance we, and all nations, place on nurses, particularly at times of crisis, it is marvellous to see the Company recognised and appreciated for everything that nurses do everywhere."
On the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale and in the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, at a time when nurses and nursing are uppermost in all our minds, the nursing profession truly has something to celebrate!
Today the Court of Aldermen of the City of London considered the Petition submitted by the Court of The Guild of Nurses and approved the Guild’s recognition as a City Company. From now on, as ‘The Company of Nurses’, they will continue their work with a view to obtaining a Grant of Livery and joining the existing 110 Livery Companies, the oldest of which dates back to the 12th Century.
As with all Livery Companies, the core values of benevolence, education, fellowship and charitable giving will continue to guide all that they do.