NHS prepares to celebrate 72nd birthday | Latest news

The NHS will celebrate its 72^nd birthday on 5 July … and what a year it’s been.

We’ve seen the organisation at its very best as the thin blue line that met the extraordinary challenge of the global pandemic reflecting the commitment and hard work of both our staff and the public across north west London.

The clap for carers, donations of PPE equipment, drink, food and comfort packs were all appreciated along with the generosity that allowed the LNWH Charity Covid-19 Well-being Appeal to raise an amazing £444,000.

Public adherence to Government guidelines also eased pressure on our hospitals allowing them to focus on those most in need.

 So, thank you to everyone for coming together when it mattered most.

The Together Coalition, headed-up by Brendan Cox, widower of MP Jo Cox, is working with the NHS to foster this renewed sense of community spirit, and has organised a number of national activities over the anniversary weekend.

It also wants to take the opportunity to remember the lives that have been lost, As a result, it is coordinating the following events:

• The Together Coalition has asked people to remember all those we have lost by putting a light in their window or on their doorstep on the evening of Saturday, July 4. This could be an LED candle, a lamp or a torch.National landmarks will also be ‘lit up blue’ on the same evening in remembrance but also to recognise the NHS anniversary the next day.
• There will be the biggest, loudest and final ‘clap for carers and key workers’ at 5pm on Sunday, July 5. People will be encouraged to stay outside after the clap to show their thanks and appreciation to their neighbours or get in touch with someone who is lonely, isolated or shielding, to let them know they are supported.
• In the run up to the day, the NHS will be encouraging everyone to create a lasting legacy to the NHS and maintain positive changes made during the pandemic.
• The Together Coalition is inviting everybody to say a personal thank you to a loved-one, someone who has helped them, or who has made a difference in their area. The coalition would like to see windows, streets, school buildings and businesses to be filled with thank you messages.