A new set of stamps has been launched celebrating the vital role nurses and midwives play in our lives.

They have been issued by Isle of Man Post Office today (Tuesday) to coincide with International Nurses Day.

And 2020 has been branded the Year of the Nurse and Midwife by the World Health Organisation. This year also marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale.

The eight-stamp collection recognises the invaluable role medical professionals play within the community, as well as acknowledging one of the most influential nurses of modern times.

Each stamp has been selected to represent the eight main sectors of nursing within the island and also feature Nelly Brennan, Esther Jane Bridson and Sarah Forester - three nurses pivotal in the development of nursing in the Isle of Man.

Maxine Cannon, general manager, Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, said: ’This collection has actually been in planning since spring last year but, of course, now holds even greater significance as we have been more widely recognising our healthcare professionals as they care for those in need during these testing times.

’Nurses and midwives play a vital role in providing health services.

’This issue depicts them as our ’hero figures’ and, acknowledging the great health care staff we have on our island, highlights the level of care provided to our community.

’This set is a tribute to the critical role of our nurses and midwives in achieving universal health coverage.’

Health care officials wanted to recognise three very special local nursing figures and their contributions to the healthcare system today.

Described as a Manx nursing revolutionary, Nelly Brennan came to prominence during the cholera epidemic of 1832-33 and was made the first matron of the Douglas Hospital and Dispensary in 1850.

Sarah Forester was matron of the island’s first purpose-built maternity home. She held the post for 14 years and oversaw the birth of 5,000 babies during her tenure.

Manx nurse Esther Jane Bridson was the first matron of the Westmoreland Road Noble’s Hospital when it opened in September 1912.

The stamps cover midwifery, health visiting and school care, hospital nursing, mental health, practice nursing, community nursing, advance practitioner nursing and end of life care - all disciplines a nursing or midwife professional undertakes.

Health Minister David Ashford MHK said: ’The images capture the spirit and scope of the profession and have a resonance during the current crisis.

’Our nurses and midwives have been in the frontline of our response to Covid-19 and the island is proud of them.

’I’m confident the stamps will prove popular with the public and stand as a reminder of the part the professions have played in getting us through the crisis.’

Estephanie Dunn, regional director for the Royal College of Nursing, said: ’We are currently in unprecedented times and the celebration of the year of the nurse and midwife should not be overshadowed with the current pandemic.

’Nurses, alongside other healthcare staff, have stepped up to the mark and are heroes.

’Their commitment and dedication to nursing is really shining through during this pandemic and I thank each and every one of them for all they’re doing.’

The 2020 Year of the Nurse and Midwife stamps, including presentation pack, first day cover, sheet set and mint set, can be ordered from www.iompost.com/nurses