ROYAL Bournemouth Hospital and Poole Hospital are appealing for residents to help mark the anniversary of the NHS on Sunday by applauding the commitment, courage and sacrifice made by NHS staff during the pandemic.

As part of the #ThankYouTogether campaign, hospitals around the country and encouraging people to come together at 5pm on Sunday July 5 as the NHS and social care system turns 72.

This year, the birthday is an opportunity to reflect and remember and to recognise the skills, commitment, achievements, compassion and diversity of all our 1.9 million people, across more than 350 different professions.

Debbie Fleming, Joint Chief Executive of RBCH and Poole Hospital, said: “Looking back over the past few months since the onset of Covid-19, we feel really proud of our staff and services. They have done an amazing job in responding to the surge, and the high number of Covid-19 patients admitted to our wards.

"We’ve been uplifted by all the support from our communities. The #ClapForOurCarers each Thursday evening was the most welcome morale boost during these challenging times, and all the messages of support, donations to our charity and gifts to our staff were incredibly moving and really appreciated by us all.

“Just as we applauded our patients as they left intensive care following treatment for coronavirus, we applaud the whole community for coming together at this time. We have been very proud to serve you.”

With 2020 being the most challenging year in NHS history, this year’s celebrations will also provide people with an opportunity to reflect and remember hospital and care staff who have sacrificed their lives to help others during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Saturday 4 July, the day before the birthday, will be a moment of remembrance and reflection for all the lives of those we have lost during the pandemic.

Led by the Together Coalition, people are being asked to place a light in their window, and buildings and landmarks will be lit up as part of this collective act of remembrance.

A number of landmarks across the country including the London Eye and The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will become blue beacon on Saturday as part of the #LightItBlue campaign.