Queen Victoria Hospital Charity marks NHS birthday with a thank you to supporters

The charity said it wants to say a special thank you not only to staff at Queen Victoria Hospital (QVH) but to all the local people and companies who have generously supported the charity.

A spokesman added: “This year has been the most challenging in the history of the NHS, with hospitals finding ways to deliver services differently during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“QVH became a specialist surgical centre supporting patients with cancer from across Sussex, Surrey and Kent, as well as continuing to provide emergency trauma treatment for adults and children in its specialisms (maxillofacial, hands and eyes).

“It has also been providing telephone and virtual consultations to continue to support patients, as well as running its minor injuries unit.”

Every week of the pandemic, QVH Charity has seen the local and wider communities QVH supports showing their love and appreciation for the NHS, he said.

The spokesman added: “The charity wanted to use this as an opportunity to say thank you back.

“But we need your help once more. The charity is asking you to join QVH staff and NHS staff across the UK in one big thank you as we remember how you helped us and the wider NHS to help you.

“This includes taking part in a special clap for the NHS at 5pm on Sunday 5 July (the NHS birthday) – hoped to be the loudest one so far – and raising a cuppa or glass to say thank you.

“Or sharing your most creative and artistic thank yous with the charity on its Twitter and Facebook pages.”

Across the country people will also be putting a light in their window at 8pm on Saturday 4 July to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic.

Camilla Slattery, head of fundraising for QVH Charity said: “As we recognise the NHS 72nd birthday, we wanted to say thank you to everyone who has supported us, particularly over the last three months.

“Through their generosity our charity has been able to support hospital staff who have been working so hard.

“This has included funding free meals, and investing in psychological support resources and outside seating to help us social distance during staff breaks.

“Thank you to everyone who has contacted us through our charity and donated to help make a difference. We are so grateful to you all.”