29 Nov Local NHS awarded highest honour by Basildon Council
The NHS in mid and south Essex has been awarded Freedom of Entry to the Borough by Basildon Council at an event held on Wednesday 24 November at the Magic Mushroom restaurant in Billericay in recognition of the heroic efforts serving the community during the coronavirus pandemic.
Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour awarded in exceptional circumstances, where the recipient has provided outstanding services which have brought significant pride and satisfaction to the borough.
Four other NHS organisations including Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) were granted Freedom of the Borough back in May. The other organisations included East of England Ambulance Service Trust, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust; North East London NHS Foundation Trust; and Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.
The Mayor of Basildon Council, Councillor David Dadds, said:
“Whilst we continue the fight against Covid-19, our NHS heroes are still on the frontline working tirelessly every day to save lives. On behalf of the council and the borough, I would like to give our sincere thanks and gratitude to them.
“Though this award has come about through their incredible efforts during the adversity of Covid-19, the work they do daily, long before and long after the pandemic, is something that deserves special recognition of this kind. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to honour their dedication, strength and professionalism in this way.”
Anthony McKeever, Executive Lead Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership, said:
“I am delighted the Council’s NHS partners have received this honour from Basildon Council. It reflects the dedication and commitment shown by so many clinicians and those who support them behind the scenes serving their communities, day in, day out. Each and every member of staff can take pride in this award. It shows how their sterling efforts have been appreciated by friends and neighbours – not just individual patients – during these challenging times.
“I would also like to thank Basildon’s councillors personally for deciding to celebrate the NHS’ contribution during the pandemic in this very special way.”
