ACROSS Yorkshire and the Humber, nursing staff are preparing to celebrate a day very close to our hearts.

Nurses’ Day is marked around the world each year on May 12 – the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. It is a time when we come together to celebrate the work that nurses and healthcare assistants do every day of the year, a hard-working army of thousands going above and beyond for their patients.

Some nurses will use the day to have a tea party, run a conference or exhibition, or simply take a short time-out from their busy schedule for lunch – something a lot of people take for granted, but which for nursing staff can be a luxury.

This year, the Royal College of Nursing is celebrating nursing staff for the superheroes they are. Your readers can help by telling your stories of how nurses and healthcare assistants have been your heroes. If you’re on Facebook or Twitter please use the hashtag #nurseheroes and tag us @RCNYorksHumber. Our members greatly appreciate the support they receive from the public, which keeps them going during their busy shifts and the tough times. Our nursing staff will do their best to continue to be your heroes.

GLENN TURP Regional Director, RCN Yorkshire and the Humber