It’s time to say thanks to our NHS heroes
ON THE front lines of the nation’s battle against coronavirus stand the incredible staff of the Welsh NHS.
From the surgeons to the porters, the nurses to the catering staff, the physios to the midwives, and the paramedics to the GPs – these heroes battle adversity each day to help us all when we’re at our most vulnerable.
From cradle to grave, the NHS, and the incredible professionals who work in hospitals, GP surgeries, clinics, care homes and more, is a part of British life.
But in the context of the extraordinary circumstances we now find ourselves in as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, what they’re doing is superhuman, and we’ve never needed them more.
Such as Dr Matt Morgan, a consultant at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, who earlier this week found the time to promise elderly people “we have not forgotten about you” in a beautiful letter of reassurance.
Or the Welsh Ambulance Service paramedics who shaved off their beards to stop the spread of the virus, and the retired NHS staff who will return to work to help out.
Now more than ever we should cherish those who dedicate themselves to our care, heedless of their own health as they work tirelessly to care for people in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
They share the same fears, uncertainties and anxieties that all of us do. They have children at home, vulnerable parents and relatives, underlying health conditions.
But through it all, they put the safety and well-being of all of us before their own, working round the clock to ensure they do the best they can for those in their care.
At the Western Mail, we’re proud to be part of the NHS Heroes campaign, which launches today to make sure all the amazing people of this wonderful organisation know exactly how much they mean to the nation.
We’re asking you to show them love by helping us create a living map of gratitude from every corner of Britain. By dropping a heart on the map, you’re saying you appreciate the efforts undertaken daily in the NHS.
To pledge your support, just go to www.thanksamillionnhs.co.uk – add your postcode to put a heart on the map and show your support for the heroes of the NHS. Share the page to encourage others to show their support.
Donna Kinnair, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said: “Our members will be extremely grateful for such a show of support and appreciation. In the most difficult days that are still to come, the country will see the best of its nursing staff.
“We’re here to keep reassuring you through this situation, whether that’s over the phone, in the GP surgery, at a care home, in your own home or in a hospital.
“It’s my job to make sure nurses look after themselves too and can do what’s right by their own parents or children as well as you. I have every faith that the professionalism and decency of Britain’s nurses will keep us going.”
Minister for Health and Social Services Vaughan Gething, said: “Our hardworking and dedicated NHS staff are the heartbeat of the health service in Wales.
“Often working under enormous pressure, they deliver high-quality care day in and day out. This campaign is a fantastic way for everyone who has experienced that great service, either directly or through a loved one, to show their appreciation, especially as we face this coronavirus outbreak together.
“I hope many others will join me in saying thanks a million, NHS workers – we appreciate everything you do for us and we’re really glad you’re there when we need you most.”
Across our title and sister titles in Wales such as WalesOnline, the South Wales Evening Post, South Wales Echo and Daily Post, we’ll be shining a light on the incredible work done by NHS staff, and the lovely gestures of kindness from the public that are helping to ease the load.
Lloyd Embley, group editor-in-chief for Reach plc, said: “As we tackle the biggest national crisis in a generation, it is our amazing NHS staff who will, once again, selflessly put our health above their own. We wanted to find a simple way for people up and down the country to demonstrate their love and support for them.
“All of Reach’s news brands are immensely proud to back this initiative. Please join in and send your thanks and love to an incredible army of people.”