This weekend, everyone is being urged to say a big thank you to all of our key workers, to celebrate 73 years since the founding of the NHS on July 5th.
The last year has seen the NHS faced with the challenge of a lifetime, as many continue to work hard in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Hospitals were tasked with caring for around 400,000 seriously ill Covid patients, all whilst the NHS was responsible for the largest vaccination programme in health service history.
Whilst this last year has undoubtedly been challenging, it has also been a year of great hope – and the NHS want to celebrate this anniversary by saying thank you to all those who made these achievements possible.
On Sunday 4th July, the eve of the NHS’ birthday, the public are being encouraged to celebrate national Thank You Day, to recognise and celebrate the work of our NHS staff, as well as all key workers and others in our communities who have helped us through this challenging year.
David Gallagher, chief officer for NHS Tees Valley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: ‘As we all look forward with hope after an incredibly difficult year, it is also important to look back and pay tribute to all those who helped us get to where we are now.
I’d like to extend my personal gratitude to the many front line healthcare professionals and support staff and all other including key workers from other sectors have put in an incredible effort and made immense personal sacrifice to support the NHS and their communities during the pandemic.
It is the work of these selfless individuals who have allowed us to achieve so much. Our people are at the heart of the NHS, so let’s give them our thanks on this special occasion’.
You can find out more about Thank You Day, and get details of events happening in your local area here.
This year also sees the return of The NHS Big Tea on Monday July 5th. This is a chance for communities to come together to thank NHS staff and each other for the huge role they have played over the last year.
At 3pm, the public are being encouraged to join in a national tea break, and raise a mug of collective thanks to every clinician, nurse, support worker, hospital porter and paramedic who’s put themselves on the line this year to keep us and our loved ones safe.
You can join in the virtual event online, or sign up to host your own Big Tea event here.