Nightingale Challenge to become the “Nursing Now Challenge”

June 2021 marks a new beginning for the Nightingale Challenge as it becomes the “Nursing Now Challenge”, under the continued leadership of Professor Lisa Bayliss-Pratt at Coventry University, in partnership with Burdett.

The Nursing Now Challenge (NNC) will carry forward the ambitious mandate of the Nightingale Challenge, and will work with health employers around the world to create leadership development opportunities for 100,000 nurses and midwives in more than 150 countries by the end of 2022.

The Nursing Now Challenge will benefit from the experience and expertise of several esteemed global health experts who will make up a new international steering committee. The overarching aim of the Nursing Now Challenge Board will be to provide strategic advice and oversight of the Nursing Now Challenge.

Coventry University’s use of technology enables people to access education resources and collaborative opportunities regardless of geographic location. The NNC will use social media to develop networks of health professionals learning from each other’s experiences and expertise across the world.

“As a leading provider of nursing education in the UK we are very proud to work with organisations including Health Education England (HEE) and the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) to implement the Nursing Now Challenge. We hope that it will have a significant impact, particularly in low and middle-income countries, supporting the development of the global health workforce, strengthening health systems and improving the health of people around the world.” Professor Lisa Bayliss-Pratt, Pro-Vice Chancellor at Coventry University & Nursing Now Challenge Programme Director.

“The Nursing Now campaign is an inspiration and has done much to increase recognition of the contribution nurses and midwives are making globally. THET is delighted to be working with Coventry University and Health Education England on this successor programme. We relish the opportunity this programme gives us, to partner with a new generation of nurses and midwives in Low- and Middle-Income Countries and support them in their efforts to deliver quality healthcare for all.” Ben Simms CEO of THET.

“HEE is delighted to support this unique partnership which has an unprecedented opportunity to empower nurses and midwives across the world to lead the world to global universal health coverage. Through systematic professional development, engagement, peer support and cross-border relationship building, nurses can transform the health and wellbeing of all.”

Professor Ged Byrne, Director of Global Engagement at HEE.

More information about the Nursing Now Challenge will be made available in May.