Memorial to healthcare workers in war and disaster zones unveiled

The plaque was unveiled by Sir Hugh Taylor, chair of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, at a ceremony held in the Millennium Garden of St Thomas' Hospital on Monday afternoon.

Trevor Sterling, chair of the Mary Seacole Trust said: "The plaque is part of our commitment to the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne.

"When he was in office, Mr Osborne provided £240,000 from the Libor banking fines to secure installation of the Mary Seacole statue, the first to a named black woman in the UK, and to establish a memorial honouring all those healthcare workers who have put themselves at risk in order to care for people caught up in conflict and natural disasters.

'We are delighted that the memorial has found a home in the grounds of St Thomas' Hospital where Mary Seacole's statue is based and where there is such a strong connection to Florence Nightingale.

"Health workers, like Nightingale and Seacole, have, throughout history, provided the care people need in times of conflict and disaster. This is an opportunity to express our gratitude as a society for all the sacrifices they have made, and continue to make, on our behalf."

The Mayor of Lambeth, Cllr Marcia Cameron, was among the guests at Friday's ceremony.