Thanking community for support in difficult times
The community has come together in support for the NHS throughout the past year, with people across Britain clapping on their doorsteps during the first lockdown. People also decorated the windows of their homes with rainbows to offer hope and many were emblazoned with a message of thanks for our health service. Charities, businesses, community groups and even individuals have thanked NHS staff with acts of kindness, care packages, priorities, free meals and simply messages of thanks. Many staff in West Sussex say they have been personally touched and moved by the support from the public during what has been the biggest challenge faced by the NHS in history. The anonymous St Richard’s Good Samaritan who saw a staff member’s car had a flat tyre and pumped it up for them while they were at work, wanted to show their appreciation. They left a note on the windscreen which read: “Hi, I happened to notice your rear left tyre was flat. I have pumped it up to 34psi. Hope it gets you home. “Keep an eye on it as you may have a slow puncture. Good luck and safe journey.” The staff member said: “I was parked in the car park and didn’t know that over the course of the day my tyre deflated and was completely flat. “When I returned after work, some incredible person had pumped it up and left a note. “I’d been seconded to the Covid-19 critical care ward and had worked a particularly hard shift, so was very moved when I came back to this note. I cannot put into words how grateful I am for their small act of kindness. “So if they’re reading this then, thank you!” Hospitals across the county have received letters, pictures and cards from wellwishers of all ages who want to thank them for their efforts throughout the pandemic. NHS employees across Sussex say they appreciate all the support from the local community in what has been the toughest challenge for the NHS. While Covid infection rates and hospital admissions continue to decline, and the country looks forward to the easing of lockdown restrictions, Vikki Carruth, a chief nurse in Sussex, said: “The final plea has to be that while the health service is still here for everybody, we always have been here for everybody and that will not change, we need people to stick to the restrictions. “We are all fed up, but if people can do as they are being asked, stay at home and follow the rules that is such an important help and is hugely appreciated.”