More than 2 million people work and volunteer in the NHS and emergency services, including 250,000 first responders. They work in a range of jobs – from answering emergency calls to dealing with administration to practising medicine, fighting fires, policing the streets and saving lives at sea and on mountains, lowland and in caves.
Every year at 9am on 9 September, Emergency Services Day (999 Day) takes place to show support for our selfless 999 heroes past and present.
This year, more than ever, we have been reminded just how much we rely on our emergency services. Colleagues across our hospitals and community services and our wider Bay Health and Care Partners continue to work incredibly hard to protect us all against COVID-19 and keep the country going in the most challenging of circumstances.
Everybody will come into contact with the emergency services at some point in life. You all showcase the very best that our country has to offer, and I am humbled and privileged to call you colleagues.
You may not see yourselves as heroes, but you certainly are, and I want to reiterate my thanks on behalf of the Trust Board.
Finally, I want to pay tribute to those who have sadly lost their lives in the line of duty - including our very own Simon. We must always remember and honour the courage of those who have laid down their own lives for us. They have made the ultimate sacrifice and we will never forget them.
Aaron Cummins
Chief Executive