York celebrates the NHS at 73 - and remembers the sacrifices made during Covid
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is marking NHS, Social Care and Frontline Worker Day.
NHS staff in York are joining together to celebrate the health service's work during the pandemic - and to reflect on the sacrifices made.
It's NHS, Social Care and Frontline Worker Day (5th July), and the 73rd birthday of the health service.
Sue Symington is Chair of York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: "There will be tea parties all round to thank our staff today, but we've also done lots of things in the leadup.
"We've had ice cream vans come to the hospitals; we've sent thank you cards; dropping through the letterboxes of staff are little thank you badges, and we were able to award every staff member an extra day's holiday on their birthday in the course of the year ahead.
"I've spoken to many members of staff and they would all say that it's the most difficult time that they've ever had in their careers in the NHS.
"In the beginning we didn't know much about the virus and there was anxiety about PPE. People have worked in really difficult conditions, and we will remember the sadness in all of that.
"We had I think about 2,800 Covid patients in our hospitals - many of them went home, but 600 didn't. We remember those who didn't survive the pandemic, and a couple of them were part of our staff.
"Understanding what the pandemic meant for people who worked in the NHS isn't all done yet - there's a lot left to do for people to come to terms with what's happened.
"We've been overwhelmed with the support of the public, and I think they already respect and admire the work of our staff".
Meanwhile healthcare leaders in the Vale of York are marking the 73rd birthday of the NHS by reflecting on the impact of COVID-19 and the success of the vaccine rollout.
In the Vale of York, there have been over 434,000 vaccine doses delivered since December 2020.
Local landmarks, such as the York City Walls, and iconic buildings all over the UK will be lighting up blue to remember those who lost their lives.
Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Chair of NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: "Today gives us all the opportunity to say 'thank you' to everyone who has been involved in our response to the pandemic.
"People across the country have had an impact, from unwavering care staff and key workers who have risen to the challenge, to members of the public who have carefully followed social distancing rules."
Michelle Carrington, Executive Director of Quality and Nursing at NHS Vale of York CCG, paid tribute to frontline care workers: "Since the beginning of this pandemic, staff in care settings across the country have shown kindness, fortitude and resilience like never before.
"The community spirit and positive relationships developed is something we value and want to build on. Everyone who has directly supported our pandemic response and kept services running in the most challenging circumstances is deserving of the highest praise."
Professor Mike Holmes, Chair of Nimbuscare, said: "We have made excellent progress with the rollout of the vaccination programme in York and the surrounding area, and it has been really encouraging to see so many people get the jab.
"Its success would not have been possible without the tireless work of our partners in local authorities, organisations, the voluntary sector, and every single staff member and volunteer working in our vaccination centres."