The Queen has honoured the NHS with the George Cross in a handwritten note, as a token of appreciation to all NHS staff past and present for their “courage, compassion and dedication”. The Duke of Cambridge has applauded the “extraordinary” efforts of NHS workers throughout the “truly relentless” pandemic as he hosted an NHS Big Tea at Buckingham Palace. Prince William, 39, chatted to 28 health service staff, from nurses to caterers, as they were treated to afternoon tea in the palace gardens to mark the 73rd anniversary of the NHS.
A special service marked the 73rd birthday of the NHS at St Paul’s Cathedral on Monday 5 July 2021. Guests included leading figures in the NHS's pandemic response and several hundred members of frontline staff, patients and others involved in the NHS’ response to Covid-19.
Among the congregation were NHS chief Sir Simon Stevens, matron May Parsons, who administered the first-ever Covid-19 jab outside of clinical trials, actor Lydia West who has publicly supported the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, Sam Foster, the nurse who gave the first Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine, members of staff who treated the first Covid-19 patients in England and several patients who have been treated for the virus.
The service was held to mark the commemoration and thanksgiving to celebrate the contribution to the country during Covid-19, of NHS staff, volunteers, and carers, reflect on the achievements of the last 12 months, the part everyone has played and look ahead to the future of the NHS.
Dr Smitesh Patel from Essex, who created a vaccine van to boost uptake, exclusively told Asian Voice, “I’m really honoured to have attended the service, a wonderful time to reflect on what an incredible role everyone in the NHS has played in dealing with this pandemic. The vaccination van has given us an opportunity to go out there and give the vaccination to those who otherwise might not have got it. Whether or not they have got access to health care, traditional access to a GP is not there, they’re unregistered, we’ve been able to ensure uptake of the vaccine is maximised as much as we can in a safe space where people can ask questions.”
Dr Roopak Khara, Psychiatrist, West London NHS Trust, who set up the first ward for patients with acute mental illness who got Covid, said, “It was an exceptional moment to represent the collective efforts of West London NHS Trust and mental health at a beautiful service which struck the right balance between remembrance, recognition and reflection. The challenges of working on Avon more ward at Hammersmith and Fulham Mental Health Unit, the country’s first psychiatric Covid ward, were surpassed by gratitude that I was able to work throughout the pandemic. The last year has demanded the very best of the NHS adapt quickly to the pandemic and I have been struck by the collective ‘can do’ attitude of the staff. I have the utmost respect for our patients who responded to these challenges with grace. Ultimately, if we continue our collective efforts in response to the evidence we have from the experts, I do remain hopeful that we can get back to more of the things we enjoy.”
