Join us in marking 72 years of the NHS: Clap for key workers | News

This Sunday, (5 July), marks 72 years since the NHS began.

Our staff will be marking the occasion by thanking hard-working partners and key worker staff across the county and are inviting local people to join in.

At 5pm, staff who are working at Royal Surrey County Hospital will gather outside to express their thanks for their key worker partners and members of the public. They are hoping that the wider community will join in the applause from their doorsteps.

During the last few months, the NHS has been through the greatest test in its lifetime and is using this anniversary as an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to all the key workers and organisations who have also been affected.

Louise Stead, Chief Executive of the Trust, said:

"Although the last few months have been challenging for the NHS and us at the Royal Surrey, we have been blown away by the support and kindness shown by our local community.

"Every week of the pandemic, we have seen the people we are here to serve show their love and appreciation for the NHS with words of encouragement, rainbow posters and kind donations.

"We could not do our job without the backing of the community and the support of other key workers including local emergency services, delivery drivers, shop workers and teachers.

"Please take to your doorsteps at 5pm on Sunday to applaud our community and partners."

Throughout the week the Trust has shared 72 photographs of staff members on its social media channels, encouraging members of the public to comment with their NHS stories.