Claire Brown – Wednesday 19th October 2022 – 1.00pm.
“No-one can be under any illusion about the scale of the challenge the NHS and our ambulance service staff, and volunteers have faced over the last two and half years, as we fought the appalling impact of COVID-19. Never before have we faced such danger in carrying out our duty to serve and protect the people of the West Midlands.” – Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Marsh.
People across the region are coming together today to honour those who serve in the NHS and emergency services.
Emergency Services Day, also known as 999 Day, usually takes place annually on the 9th September but was postponed as a mark of respect following the sad passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Today’s rearranged Emergency Services Day is a Royal and Government backed national day and an opportunity for the country to pay tribute to the almost two million people who work and volunteer across the NHS and emergency services.
The event formally begins with 999 Day flags being raised across the UK at 9am to mark the 9th hour of the 9th day of the 9th month, followed by two minutes’ silence to remember the more than 7,500 members of the emergency services killed in the line of duty and the many more killed as a result of their service.
Lichfield Operations Manager, Mark Hayes, attended Staffordshire Police HQ earlier this morning to observe the flag raising on behalf of West Midlands Ambulance Service. He said: “While we are fortunate that we are the only ambulance service not to have lost staff to this cruel virus, many of my colleagues have suffered personal loss through the death of a loved one, making their journey to work, that little bit harder.
“There can be no doubt about the dedication of the staff of all three of our blue light services who day in day out, go about their jobs, often in very difficult circumstances; dedicating their professional lives to helping others – there can be no higher calling.”
Anthony Marsh Chief Executive Officer, continued: “Like my colleagues in Police and Fire Services, I want to thank each and every one of my staff and volunteers, no matter where you work, what role you play, for doing so much to help your colleagues, your patients and our community every single day.”
Tom Scholes-Fogg, Founder and Chief Executive of the 999 Day, said: “We all take the NHS and emergency services for granted. We know that when we really need help, it is there. Emergency Services Day is an opportunity for the country to say a huge heartfelt thank you to the 2 million people who put others before themselves. I encourage everybody to support our emergency services personnel all year round, not just on 999 Day.”
Ends
Notes to Editor: Featured picture WMAS with West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service colleagues in Birmingham.
