HEALTH Minister Robin Swann has urged everyone to take part in a UK-wide applause for the NHS on its 72nd birthday tomorrow.
The minister said the planned tribute at 5pm on July 5 is especially significant "given the sacrifices health and social care staff have made during the Covid-19 pandemic".
In a statement, the minister said that "we should always treasure the NHS and our localised version of it – the Health and Social Care (HSC) system"
“The founding principles of the NHS are every bit as relevant and important as they were in 1948," Mr Swann said.
The minister has also asked the public to back the health service by continuing to follow public health guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic.
"Please keep doing the right thing," the minister said.
The anniversary will see people encouraged to observe a minute's silence on Saturday and light a candle in remembrance of people who have died during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Downing Street will be lit-up blue tonight in tribute to the NHS as a candle is lit at the Prime Minister's official residence at 9pm.
Boris Johnson will also meet NHS workers in the Number 10 garden on tomorrow afternoon.
