Message from Mayor Kathryn McGarry on National Nursing Week

This week is National Nursing Week and today is International Nurses Day. This year, more than ever, we are grateful to the nurses in our community for the invaluable work you’re doing as we face the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nursing Week recognizes the work and sacrifices of nurses, and their contributions to our health care system. The World Health Organization has also designated this year as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, a pioneer in the nursing profession.

As many of you are aware, I spent the earlier days of my career as a nurse. I clearly remember the fear during the SARS outbreak in 2003. Every day involved covering up with N95 masks, gowns and gloves to care for my patients. I remember how physically and emotionally exhausted my colleagues and I were at the end of shifts in emergency rooms. We would often share feelings of dread that one of us would become sick or bring the virus home to our families.

I see the same today as our nurses on the frontlines put patients first day after day.  However, this time the global outbreak has been much more difficult to contain and it is not over yet. During this complicated time, when we must stay apart to be safe, nurses are showing strength and resiliency by not only delivering critical health care, but also helping families keep in touch with patients. You are the heart of our health care system and truly COVID-19 heroes.

Thank you to our nurses at Cambridge Memorial Hospital and to all the nurses across the region who have been working tirelessly during the pandemic and for their support year-round to keep our community healthy and safe. 

The best way that we can show our thanks is by listening to public health directives, limiting outings, following physical distancing measures, and following the guidelines put in place by health care facilities. Wash your hands often, and remember – we’re all in this together.

Mayor Kathryn McGarry

City of Cambridge