A nationwide ‘pause for applause’ marks the 72nd birthday of the NHS on Sunday 5th July

Sunday 5th July 2020 marks an incredible 72 years since the NHS was established. Every year, the NHS birthday is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of staff and volunteers, and thank our NHS and those who support it. This year, the birthday is an opportunity to recognise, reflect and remember. We want to recognise the skills, commitment, achievements, compassion and diversity of all our 1.9 million people, including everyone that has helped others during the pandemic. Across the UK, we will say thank you together with a nationwide clap on Sunday 5th July at 5pm.

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) is extending its thanks to the community for the continued support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including everyone that has followed lockdown rules to stay safe.  

The Trust’s Chair, Paul Devlin, said:

“This year has been a difficult time for us all and extraordinarily challenging for the NHS and our staff. The level of support and gratitude that the NHS has experienced is fantastic but we must not forget others in the community that have helped us, kept this country moving and shown remarkable kindness over the past few months.

“I really hope that everyone will join us on Sunday 5th July at 5pm, to show their appreciation by taking part in the nationwide clap that has been organised to mark the occasion. It is the perfect time to think about our vital community connections and check in on neighbours who may be struggling.”

Broadcasters will suspend their normal transmissions at 5pm as people across the country pause what they are doing to think of others and reflect on the incredible people that have kept us safe during the pandemic.

You can also get involved on the evening of Saturday 4th of July by shining a light in your window as a sign of respect and remembrance for all those that have lost their lives during the pandemic. Public buildings across the UK will light up in NHS blue, including the Royal Albert Hall, Blackpool Tower, the Shard and the Wembley Arch.

The week running up to the NHS birthday is also Values Week, an annual event where the NHS reflects on and champions the values of the NHS Constitution; working together for patients, compassion, respect and dignity, improving lives, commitment to quality of care, and everyone counts. LPFT also takes time to recognise its own Trust values and how these result in the delivery of excellent patient care.

The Trust’s Chair, Paul Devlin, said:

“Our staff have been absolutely fantastic this year and truly reflect our Trust values; compassion, pride, integrity, valuing everybody, innovation and collaboration. They ensure that we are giving the very best response we can during the pandemic for those that need our services, and have also been looking out for each other.

“I would like to say a special thank you to all our staff who have shown their dedication and adapted to change in this testing time. Every person in the county should also know how much we value their support, during the pandemic and always.”

During the week, LPFT staff have been telling us how they are embody the NHS and LPFT values, and who they are especially grateful for during the pandemic. Follow the conversation on social media using the hashtags; #livingtheNHSvalues, #NHSBirthday and #ThankYouTogether. Read more about the birth of the NHS here.