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SINGAPORE - NURSES who attended a carnival outside the Singapore National Eye Centre yesterday to celebrate Nurses' Day had a surprise visit by Zorro, the legendary folk hero.

The black-clad masked character was actually Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, in disguise. He was among stars such as Superman and Batman at the event.

The annual celebration honoured the nurses working in various institutions under the Sing- Health Group.

More than 2,000 nurses turned up at the movie magic- themed carnival. It was recognition for the nurses who "untiringly care for patients" and are "comparable to the Wonder Women and Supermen of health care", said a SingHealth spokesman.

Mr Lim, who is also the secretary- general of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), handed out two dozen roses to the nurses who were at the event.

Yesterday was not the first time the minister had adopted a different persona to celebrate Nurses' Day, which falls on Sunday. Two years ago, he went as a trishaw rider.

At the event yesterday, Mr Lim also launched a community project by SingHealth and the Healthcare Services Employees Union.

The initiative, which provides necessities such as wheelchairs and walking frames for needy patients after they are discharged from hospital, was sponsored by NTUC FairPrice Foundation, which provided $100,000 in funding.

A book on fall prevention written by SingHealth nurses was also unveiled yesterday.

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