Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, will be joining the rest of the UK for the last country-wide clap for the NHS and workers this Sunday, to mark the NHS’s 72nd birthday.
On the 5th July 1948, the National Healthcare Service was established by Aneurin Bevan, Minister of Health, to provide an umbrella, national, free healthcare service for the first time. Healthcare workers from doctors, to dentists, were brought into one unified organisation to provide free healthcare at the point of use.
Since then, the NHS has transformed into a symbol of pride for the British public, from delivering everyday care to all to ground-breaking medical advices and improvements in public health.
NHS England and NHS Improvement Chief Executive, Sir Simon Stevens, has called 2020 ‘the most challenging year in the history of the NHS and staff’ as the coronavirus pandemic has swept the nation.
He commented:
“From the domestic workers on the COVID-19 wards who have worked tirelessly to keep hospitals clean, to medical students heading the call for 11 call handlers and IT professionals working around the clock to keep services running, the NHS has mobilised to tackle this one in a lifetime global pandemic.”
On Saturday 4th, there will be a moment of remembrance for all those who have lost their lives during the pandemic, led by the Together Coalition. Landmarks across the UK will be lit blue to mark the occasion and the public are being asked to put a light on their doorstep or in their window to stand in solidarity.
On Sunday, there will be a nationwide clap at 5pm to say #ThankYouTogether to applaud the commitment, courage and sacrifice shown not only through the pandemic, but for healthcare workers efforts over the last 72 years.
Caroline commented:
“Our NHS this pandemic has just gone to show the commitment and incredible strength of our workers and the lifesaving work they do.
“Over the past 72 years, the NHS has been there to care for us and our loved ones. But it would be nothing without the amazing staff, from doctors, to cleaners and drivers, who keep it going.”
