History of nursing

As vitro fertilisation (IVF) reaches a milestone in its history, Nursing Times investigates the changing role of fertility nurses and efforts to increase recognition of their key role as pioneers. In just over a week, the world’s first ‘test tube baby’ will turn 45. On 25 July, 1978, Louise Brown…

The original endowment raised to support Florence Nightingale's efforts in Crimea has been passed on to a new owner, after the charity acting as its caretaker is wound down. The Nightingale Fund (NF), which was originally set up to protect the pot of money first built up in the 1800s,…

A nurse invited to an NHS 75th anniversary event, where royals made a surprise appearance, has said it was a "huge honour" to be involved in the celebrations for the health service. Louie Horne, registered nurse and Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) clinical research fellow based at Ipswich and Colchester…

Decorated nurses, health leaders and the prime minister were among high-profile guests attending a service in London today honouring 75 years of the NHS. The ceremony, held at Westminster Abbey, was run by Dean of Westminster Dr David Hoyle, who “saluted” the achievements of all NHS staff over its three-quarters…

Like any 75-year-old, over its lifetime our health service has grown and matured, adapting to the changing world around it but showing clear signs of wear and tear. Workforce data demonstrates just how much the NHS has expanded since it was founded on 5 July 1948. Across England and Wales…

Nurses have today been celebrating and reflecting on the contribution that the Windrush generation and their descendents have made to health and social care across the UK. Windrush Day is held annually on 22 June to commemorate the people from the Caribbean who answered a call to help rebuild the…

An exhibition celebrating the role charities have played in supporting the NHS throughout its history has kicked off this week, featuring stories from nurses about how funding has improved their workplaces. The event, Love and Charity: A History of Giving in the NHS, has opened at Saatchi Gallery in London…

To mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS, Nursing Times wants to hear from nurses about what the health service means to them. The NHS will be celebrating its milestone birthday on 5 July 2023. Ahead of the date, Nursing Times is asking nursing professionals for their views on the…

The work of nurses and midwives “must never go unrecognised”, members of the profession were told this week at the annual Florence Nightingale commemoration service. The chief executive of the Florence Nightingale Foundation said it was very important for nurses and midwives to “pause and reflect on the difference you…

The nursing profession has been recognised as one of London’s ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, adding to its status in the capital. The organisation known as the Company of Nurses, which was started by a group of Barts Health NHS Trust nurses, has received recognition as a livery…