Ex-Army worker George Turnball has shown his gratitude to the NHS by making a plaque for Newcastle Hospitals
George, from North Seaton, made the wooden plaque to mark the significant efforts of all NHS workers in the fight against coronavirus and to show his appreciation for what the NHS has done for him and is currently doing during the pandemic.
![Dame Jackie and Sir John with NHS Thank You Plaque](https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Dame-Jackie-and-Sir-John-plaque-1024x768.jpg)
The plaque has a thank you message engraved on it using a process known as routing. The message reads: ‘To the NHS, from cleaners to surgeons, ambulance drivers to pharmacists, porters to kitchen staff and everyone in between…thank you.’
Showing appreciation for the NHS
George, 61, is an ex-army man who recently returned to the region after working and living in Germany. It means a lot to him to be able to show his appreciation for the NHS.
“I recently moved from Cardiff back to North East, where my family has its roots. During COVID-19 all members of the NHS have stepped to the plate and I think it’s important to give them the thanks they deserve,” he said.
“I want to make sure everybody who is working tirelessly behind the scenes also gets the recognition they deserve. The cleaners, porters, administration, catering staff and everyone in between, all do such an amazing job and I am sure I am not alone in sharing my thanks with each and every one of them during this difficult time.
Support of the public
“Staff at Newcastle Hospitals has been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 so I wanted to ensure they received a plaque of their own.”
The Trust’s Chief Executive Dame Jackie Daniel said; “We have been so touched by the support of the public during this time, everyone has been so kind and generous keeping all the staff in their thoughts, from large scale companies to individuals like George.
“The plaque George has made for our staff is excellent, we are looking forward to displaying it in our hospital for staff and patients to see.”