Thank you and keep going – asks the region’s NHS as Christmas approaches

Thursday 10 December 2020

The NHS across the North East and North Cumbria is asking the public to stay safe this Christmas as it releases a film to thank staff, partners and communities for their unwavering support this year.

Music legend and north easterner Mark Knopfler has given permission to our region’s NHS to use the music and lyrics from Brothers In Arms. The film brings together a series of images of NHS staff from across the region taken during the pandemic.

Mark Knopfler said: “I’d like to say thank you to all NHS staff and the key workers of the north east of England. These people are working around the clock to help patients, families and communities, and to us you’re all local heroes. You’re the best we’ve got, so a special thank you to you.”

Alan Foster, executive lead for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System said: “We hope this film goes some way to recognising the extraordinary efforts of our staff during these unprecedented times but also our communities and partners including our care homes and local authorities. Their support has been unwavering.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to fellow north easterner Mark Knopfler for his generosity and allowing us to use this poignant and moving song, which will certainly strike a chord with many.”

“The recent approval of vaccines for COVID is such welcome news and has given us all a renewed sense of hope. But there is still a way to go yet.

“So, this is a plea from us all. Please stay safe this Christmas, the virus is still with us and so are the risks. If you are spending time with loved ones, make it as safe you as you can. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and if we all keep doing our bit, we can get through this.”

Health chiefs are also reminding people to seek help if they are worried about their health and to look out for one another over the festive period.

Alan added: “The festive period can be an incredibly lonely and tough time for people and even more so this year. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health there is help available. So let’s look out for one another now and beyond into the new year.”