Big thank you and happy birthday NHS

AHEAD of the final applause for coronavirus workers this Sunday (July 5), which also marks the 72nd birthday of our beloved NHS, I’d like to draw our attention to the dedicated staff who have kept the nation’s care homes running.

We must never forget that 24 hours a day, seven days a week – an incredible team of professional and highly skilled staff have provided care under the most challenging of circumstance.

They – like their amazing colleagues in health – have continued to do this with care and compassion – providing a lifeline for the most vulnerable across all our communities.

I truly hope this weekend’s celebrations really are the biggest ‘thank you’ the country has ever seen. We owe it not only to those on the NHS frontline, but also those hidden heroes who have cared for our loved ones in our time of need.

Vic Rayner

Executive director National Care Forum