THEY are the unsung heroes treating hundreds of sick and injured people every day.

And Southampton’s nurses will be recognised at an event today to mark international nurses’ day.

The trust running the city’s hospitals will host a series of events dedicated to recognising the 3,000 nurses working in Southampton.

International nurses’ day takes place on May 12 every year to coincide with the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale.

She is regarded as the founder of modern nursing and is buried at St Michael’s Church in East Wellow.

Events held at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust’s hospitals will include tea parties, coffee and cake mornings and even a bake-off competition between different departments.

Sick youngsters at the city children’s hospital will also be contributing by coming up with pictures and descriptions of what makes the perfect nurse.

During the afternoon the finest in nursing in the city will be recognised at a conference event featuring presentations and seminars on the latest developments in the field.

And the very best nurses will be up for awards, with a ceremony featuring five different categories, including registered nurse of the year, healthcare assistant of the year, mentor of the year, director of nursing award for outstanding contribution and the patient feedback award.

Sixty-four people have been nominated for an accolade.

The focus of this year’s international nurses’ day will be on “improving the resilience of healthcare systems”, and after the awards there will be talks on the profession.

Subjects will range from the role of advanced nurse practitioners in neonatal services and excellence in global healthcare to the contribution of overseas nurses and a history of the vocation over the past century.

Gail Byrne, director of nursing at UHS, said: “This will be the third dedicated event to celebrate international nurses’ day within our hospitals and We hope to build on the success of previous years with a packed day of activities to mark the achievements of our nursing staff.

“This day is a fantastic opportunity to look at some of the excellent progress being made in nursing care in our trust, to reward those performing at the highest level and to share learning with colleagues to further improve our services.”