NHS Charities Together is organising a minute’s silence to mark the second anniversary of the Covid health crisis.

This will take place at 11am on 11 March, which is two years since the World Health Organisations declared the pandemic, during a live broadcasted remembrance event hosted by the charity.

“Acknowledging the sacrifices made over the last two years, the live-broadcasted service and one-minute silence at 11am will offer the opportunity for all healthcare staff, as well as the general public, to reflect personally on the impact and losses of the pandemic and to say thank you,” said the charity.

“It will be attended by staff representing the nations and all areas of healthcare – including ambulance, hospital, mental health, community, social care and primary care services.”

The event will be broadcasted online and attended in person by senior NHS representatives, including chief nursing officer for England Ruth May.

“Over the last two years health and social care workers have put duty and commitment to care for patients above their own needs, and we are so grateful,” said NHS Charities Together patron Lord Nigel Crisp.

“We mustn’t forget what it has taken for them to get us through this period – including those who tragically lost their own lives while caring for others. This event is a chance for us all to honour those sacrifices, to say thank you for everything they did and continue to do – and say that we won’t ever forget.”

The charity has released details of a survey of more than 1,000 NHS staff, showing that 24% had lost close colleagues due to Covid-19. More than two thirds are reporting a mental health condition due to the health crisis, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

Share Story: