A hospital’s head of midwifery helped commemorate the life and work of Florence Nightingale at Westminster Abbey.

Gloria Rowland, head of midwifery and gynaecology at The North West London Hospitals NHS Trust, led the procession of the lamp ceremony last week.

The ceremony celebrated the dedication and care of all nursing and midwifery staff, and was attended by more than 2,000 nurses, midwives, healthcare professionals and guests.

Ms Rowland, a Florence Nightingale scholar, said: “It was an honour for me and the trust to be selected to carry the lamp and lead the nursing possession this year in such an important service and to see so many colleagues from across the county be involved.

“It was a fantastic service and evening which I am grateful to have been selected to play such an important role.”