The Duke of Cambridge has spoken to over 300 NHS staff and volunteers across the UK since the start of 2021 as part of a personal pledge to reach out to frontline workers as they continue to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
Prince William has made the calls to offer his thanks for their efforts and to hear about the challenges they have faced during the latest stage of the pandemic.
William has spoken to members of the NHS at every health board in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland as well as in every county in England. The conversations have taken place over the past three months and have included chats with hospital staff, GPs, pharmacists and volunteers as well as porters and cleaners.
The Duke of Cambridge has carried out dozens of one to one phone calls with NHS workers in recent months (Photo by Kensington Palace)
In 62 one to one calls and a range of wider group meetings, the Duke heard about the impact the pandemic has had on staff, their work and their own wellbeing. There has also been a focus on the vaccination programme in the UK which has so far seen over 30 million adults receive at least one jab. The Duke of Cambridge also took part in five regional meetings of directors from NHS Trusts and Boards to hear about the challenges they face on a local level.
During one conversation, with Dr. Thelma Craig, a Respiratory Consultant at Belfast’s Mater Hospital, Prince William offered his thanks for the ongoing work being done by the NHS, saying ”I just want to say on behalf of everyone what a fantastic job you’ve done. You’ve all held it together and been absolutely wonderful people. It’s been a real team effort but we’re all very proud of you. The NHS has gone from already being much loved to probably the most admired organisation around.”
News of the Duke of Cambridge’s conversations with NHS workers follows his recent visits to vaccination centres including those at Westminster Abbey and King’s Lynn, Norfolk.
