In 2006 the Service to commemorate the life and work of Florence Nightingale was held at Westminster Abbey at 6.15pm on Wednesday 10 May.   This Service also celebrates the professions of nursing, midwifery and all staff, both qualified and unqualified working in these services, were invited to attend.

2000 nurses, midwives, healthcare professionals and guests attended the Service.

During the Serviced the Procession of the Lamp took place.   Irene Scott, a Florence Nightingale Foundation Leadership Scholar, who was escorted by student nurses from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, carried the Lamp.   On arrival at the Altar, she handed the Lamp to Tom Fernandez, a Florence Nightingale Scholar, who passed it to Vivienne Davies-Quarrell, a Florence Nightingale Scholar.  This represents the passing on of knowledge from one nurse to another and highlights the diversity of care given by nurses for the benefit of humanity.

The Most Reverend and Rt Hon The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams gave the Address.  Copies of this Address can be downloaded directly from the Archbishop’s website: archbishop of canterbury and speeches.

The Choir of Westminster Abbey sang the Service

The 2007 Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service will be held on Wednesday 9 May 2007 in Westminster Abbey.
Full details will be published nearer that time.