2nd July 2020
This Sunday marks the 72nd Anniversary of the National Health Service. 2020 also marks the 72nd year of social care services.
The Anniversary offers a chance for staff, patients and the public to mark the past 72 years of achievement and recognise the difference that our NHS has made to people’s lives on a daily basis.
Coming as it does in the midst of the response to Coronavirus, the anniversary also provides a time to reflect. This weekend will be marked in a few different ways, some of which you can get involved in at home.
On Saturday 4 July national landmarks will be ‘lit up blue’ to recognise the NHS anniversary the next day, but also in remembrance. The Together Coalition are encouraging people put a light in their window or on their doorstep in remembrance. This could be a candle, lamp or torch.
Then Sunday 5 July sees both the BBC and ITV ‘go dark’ at 5pm. At the same time people are welcome to take part in the biggest, loudest and final clap for carers and key workers.
Karen Hamilton, Chair of NHS Borders, said: “Sunday’s Anniversary provides an important opportunity to take stock, reflect and be thankful. You can mark this milestone with us and show your support of our NHS by participating in the national gestures and if you can the final clap for carers.”
Ralph Roberts, Chief Executive of NHS Borders, said: “I want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our staff for their extraordinary commitment and dedication throughout our continued response to the Coronavirus pandemic. I must also thank our patients and their loved ones for their patience and understanding while we have had to work differently and as work to re-establish our services in a new way that recognises the continued impact of Coronavirus on all our lives. We will be marking the occasion at NHS Borders in a variety of ways including posting video content on social media from staff stating what they are thankful for as an NHS staff member, particularly during the pandemic.”