A ROUND of Happy Birthday was heard at Winchester hospital this evening (Sunday) as staff and members of the public joined together to mark the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.

Following the singing a special two-minute clap took place applauding carers and key workers at 5pm on the NHS Day of Thanks.

The applause was held after the weekly Clap for Carers became a staple of lockdown in the first few months, with neighbours heading out to their doorsteps to give thanks to healthcare staff in the Covid-19 crisis.

Singing outside the hospital was Muriele from Joie de Vivre Music, who previously sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow during a Clap for Carers evening in May at the Romsey Road site.

She said: “It is lovely, it is such a pleasure, and it is a beautiful thing what they are doing – saving lives – and I sing from my heart.”

Winchester resident Naomi Honey normally claps on her doorstep, but decided to come down to the hospital, with a sign in hand not only thanking the NHS but also other key workers.

She said: “I think they have done a marvellous job, they put themselves completely in harm’s way for our sake and I think they are amazing.

“They have kept going to help those who are desperately ill – they are real heroes.”

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One person who came out to cheer on the staff was Paul Burton, with his children Laura and Sam, whose mum Kimberley works at the hospital.

He said: “It is amazing, I’m really proud. It was tough at the start, but things have eased off now,” adding: “It is nice [to be here] because we don’t usually see her at work.”

Speaking ahead of the event, Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Winchester hospital, said: “A huge thank you on this NHS Day of Thanks. Thank you to the amazing HHFT staff who have done so much to provide compassionate, outstanding care for our patients.

“Thank you to all the key workers who have kept the schools open for our children, the shops stocked for our homes and the bins emptied.

“Thank you to our communities who have supported us in so many ways. Thank you.”

This weekend the clockface of the Guildhall in Winchester has been turned blue to also say thank you to the NHS and mark the occasion.