Ms. Shouzhen Cheng, Director of Nursing Department of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), was awarded with the Florence Nightingale Medal for being active in disaster situations and in the areas of public health and nursing education, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
On February 7, 2020, when Wuhan was struck by the coronavirus, she led a medical team consisting of 131 members to Wuhan to save the most critical patients. She was there combating COVID-19 for 61 days.
On May 3, 2020, having just finished her duty in Wuhan, she asked to support Serbia for the battle and became the only nurse in the Chinese medical expert team to aid Serbia.
Cheng participated in the celebration at International Nurses Day in the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU).
She was also there in her hospital helping with the fight against SARS in 2003. After the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake occurred, Cheng was there to help treat patients. Moreover, she has reached the plateau and desert, joining in the national medical team, and the team of academicians and experts for many times, to send medical support there.
"Lots of feelings well up in my mind. I am very excited and grateful," Cheng said, "This award is owed to everyone's long-term support and help."
To the young nurse, Cheng wishes that "No matter what setbacks you encounter, you should remain true to your original aspiration, keep the mission firmly in mind, and move forward. Persevere and uphold the Spirit of Nightingale, be willing to overcome hardships and give, and finally, do what a medical caregiver should do."
Author | Hannah, Li Xiuting, Zhu Xiaofeng
Editor | Keane, Jerry
