BASINGSTOKE showed its appreciation for the NHS with a rousing round of applause to mark the organisation’s 72nd anniversary.

People across the country took part in Sunday’s ‘Clap for the NHS’ event to not only commemorate the service’s birthday, but to show their ongoing gratitude for the unwavering efforts of all of its staff and key workers.

And at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, dozens of residents, staff and frontline workers let their feelings be heard with a passionate two-minute applause.

The event was inspired by the weekly ‘Clap for Carers’ events that took place during lockdown to thank key workers for their efforts amid the coronavirus crisis.

It is now hoped that the anniversary applause will become an annual event in the nation’s calendar.

It comes after monuments across the country were lit up blue on Saturday, ahead of a World War Two Spitfire flyover in Cambridge, and the eventual clap on Sunday evening.

Before the clap, the Gazette was able to speak to two of the hospital’s matrons, Katrina Mason and Simone Holman about what the day, and the NHS, means to them.

“Today’s about celebrating the NHS and everything that’s good about the NHS,” said Simone, “particularly so having looked back at the last three months and the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s an opportunity for all of us to appreciate all of the work that everybody has put in – not just the medical team and the nursing team, but all of the other unsung heroes that sit in the background that we don’t see.”

Asked of the many things that make the NHS such a special organisation, Katrina added: “The people, the dedication of the staff and the people that work within it.

“It’s timeless – everyday they come to work, and it doesn’t matter how hard the day before has been, they come in with a smile on their face and they give everything.”

Katrina also stressed that the public’s appreciation has not gone unnoticed.

“A massive thank you to the public for the support that we’ve had,” she continued, “not only in Hampshire Hospitals, but to the [whole] NHS.

“It’s been really rewarding to realise just how important it is to everyone.”

But both she and Simone offered an important reminder that coronavirus is “not over just yet” and so it is vital we take care, continue to wash our hands maintain social distancing where possible.

“Thank you,” added Simone,” and keep doing everything that you have been doing.”