In 2008 the Service to commemorate the life and work of Florence Nightingale was held at Westminster Abbey at 6.15pm on Wednesday 14 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 Service the Procession of the Lamp took place.  Comfort Momoh, a Florence Nightingale Foundation Travel Scholar, who was escorted by student nurses from the University of Wales North East Wales Institute of Higher Education, Wrexham, carried the Lamp.   On arrival at the Altar, she handed the Lamp to Tony Gill, a Florence Nightingale Research Scholar, who passed it to Catherine Wilson, a Florence Nightingale Research 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 Reverend Dominic Fenton, Lead Chaplain, North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, and Priest Vicar, Westminster Abbey gave the Address, a copy of which can be obtained on application to the Foundation’s Office.

The Choir of Westminster Abbey sang the Service

 Click HERE for 2008 Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service Pictures

The 2009 Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service will be held on Wednesday 13 May 2009 in Westminster Abbey.   Full details will be published nearer that time.