Landmarks across the nation, including the Central Library in Swindon will turn blue tomorrow as the NHS celebrates its 72nd birthday.

And a final thank you clap will be staged at 5pm to applaud everyone who has supported the much-loved institution during the coronavirus pandemic.

Chief executive of the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Kevin McNamara said: “The clap is a lovely idea because it’s a great way to come together and mark the NHS’ birthday. We should still commemorate every year because the decisions made all those years ago are something we all benefit from now.

“I’m immensely proud for working at GWH, I get a huge sense of pride every time I walk through the doors.

“I think it’s remarkable when you see people like Captain Tom Moore who served their country and they recognise in a similar spirit there are workers who have to deal with something that is so immense.

“The biggest challenge we have faced in the past year is the death of two of our colleagues.

"Dr Thaung Htaik and Dr Edmond Adedeji passed away and that was something nobody could prepare for. Everyone of those Covid-19 numbers there is a human behind and their families, I think as the numbers got so big people forgot it’s not just a number, it’s lives.”

One mum keen to say thank you to the service is Kirsty Davey.

She rushed her nine-year-old daughter Elizabeth to hospital after a hayfever attack which made it difficult for her to breathe.

While she was being looked after on the children’s ward she painted one of ceiling tiles as most of the patients do.

Elizabeth said: “I was a little worried about being at the hospital because I don’t like needles. But there were two nurses who were really nice and they made me feel comfortable.

“I painted a roof tile and because of everything going on at the moment and how nice they were being I painted a rainbow to say thank you.”

Kirsty, 33, said: “How hard the staff work and what they have to deal with every day is amazing. We are so lucky to have this service and I can’t thank them enough for what they do.”

Gemma Mulrooney, 33, gave birth to her daughter Esme on April 28 and she felt they did a great job despite the pandemic.

She said: “There’s been times when society has overlooked the NHS and I think they manage so well in such unprecedented times. They go above and beyond and from my experience of both my births I’m in complete awe of the job they do.”