This Sunday 5 July marks the 72nd birthday of the NHS and across the country there will be a huge round of applause at 5pm – with Walsall Healthcare staff showing their appreciation for the support shown to them during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The nation will be coming together at 5pm in a huge show of appreciation for everyone who has kept the UK going. It’s a moment to raise a glass (or a cup) to NHS staff, social workers, volunteers, vital keyworkers or to acknowledge someone who has been there for you.
At Walsall Manor Hospital the final clap will take place in the area to the rear of the Intensive Care Unit and former Covid-19 patients and their families are very welcome to come and join us – whilst maintaining a suitable social distance.
Richard Beeken, Chief Executive of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “Our staff have been through an extremely challenging time; a time that they will never forget. They have worked relentlessly in circumstances we never imagined. And as a team, we have lost very dear colleagues along the way.
“We also appreciate what a difficult time this has been for our patients and their families too, some of whom have not survived this deadly virus.
“But the kindness and support we have had from others, from businesses, organisations and individuals has really kept us going. It has been phenomenal and we want to show our thanks one last time this Sunday on what is, fittingly, the NHS’s birthday.”
If any former patients or families want to be part of this they are asked to arrive in the area to the rear of the ICU, near to the Emergency Department no earlier than 4.45pm. We will have staff and volunteers ensuring social distancing and ask attendees to please work with us to keep everyone safe and minimise the risk of infection. For everyone else, we would love for you to join from your doorstep and fill the whole of Walsall with clapping.