This Christmas, something powerful happened.

Organise members were invited to send messages of thanks to NHS workers across the country. The response was overwhelming. Over 4,500 people took the time to write heartfelt messages of gratitude, sharing warmth, solidarity and deep appreciation for the care NHS staff provide every day.

These messages came from patients, carers, family members, retired NHS workers and people whose lives have been shaped, and in many cases saved, by the NHS. Some were sent by post directly to hospitals. Others were shared online. Every message carries the same sentiment, NHS workers are seen, valued and appreciated.

NHS staff continue to hold services together under immense pressure. Chronic understaffing, long shifts, unsafe workloads and years of underfunding shape the reality of daily work across the health service. Despite these barriers, compassion, professionalism and care remain at the heart of what NHS workers do.

Alongside this outpouring of public gratitude, Organise continues to campaign to improve pay, staffing levels and working conditions for NHS staff, and to elevate workers’ voices to decision makers across the country. These messages are a simple but powerful thank you, shared at a time when recognition and solidarity matter deeply.

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Below are just some of the messages sent this Christmas.

"You are such a wonderful asset to the country and I thank you All for your tireless professionalism and the effort you put in everyday keeping us healthy & happy. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!"

"Thank you to each and every one of you for your hard work. Your dedication and commitment to the publics health is more valuable than you may realise.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart "

"I have bowel cancer and I would like to thank all the Oncology staff at Lincoln Hospital, especially in Ingham ward, Hatton and Waddington ward for the care and treatment I have received since April 2024. I am still on chemotherapy, and my fate will be determined after my next scan on Dec 30th.
What I can rely on is the 1st class attention of the NHS."

"Dear NHS member, I just wanted to write to thank you for your tireless work, which we have witnessed several times this year alone. My wife and I had to visit my wife’s mother on four separate admissions for problems with her repaired hip (she is 92 years old).
Each time the staff from HCAs to ward sisters were caring, kind, attentive, supportive and when required funny or full of cuddles. Your professionalism made mum in laws stays far more sufferable, although after 7 weeks she was still pleased to be coming home.

"We hope that the government begin to look upon you as great assets to the NHS and realise we need you as without your spirit, the NHS fails. My wife and I hope that Christmas brings you happiness, love and prosperity and in some way shows light at the end of the tunnel as far as working conditions go. We’ve seen your struggle first hand and have had exhausted staff come and sit for a couple of minutes and share their frustrations with us.
May you all have a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year x"

"Please know that we truly appreciate everything you do to keep our NHS running despite all the underfunding from this and previous governments. You are heroes, every one of you. Hope you are given time this Christmas to spend time with friends and family.
We will continue to fight for more support and a better working environment for you all.
Thank you 🙏"

"Thank you so much for the excellent work you do. Despite 14 years of Tory cuts, you still always deliver a good and compassionate service. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all."

"In the last 6 months I have been in hospital several times and want to thank all the wonderful NHS staff who have looked after me so well. Thank you and Happy New Year to you all."

"To our Heroes of the NHS,I would like to say a massive thank you for giving up your time with your loved ones to look after ours. The world feels a little safer and better because of you. Your hard work, resilience, care and dedication are the greatest gifts you give to the public, not just at Christmas, but all year round. Please have a safe shift and treat yourselves when you finally get a break, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL   🎅 🎄 🎅 "

"I whole heartdly support all NHS staff in their efforts to stem the tide of disrespect and financial oppression that they have to suffer under this and previous governments. Even under this pressure, they do a sterling job in helping to keep the people of this country healthy. They are compassionate and dutiful people, who risked their own lives to keep us all going through Covid. The only mistake they made was to save Boris, so he could then continue to desecrate the NHS and the rest of the country for the benefit of his buddies. But that aside, thank you all for your dedication and tenacity. I wish you all a very happy Christmas and hopefully a happier New Year."

"Thank you for everything you do for all of us. You have saved my life numerous times and I will be eternally grateful for that. You do amazing work , don’t let the government bring you down. Thank you."

"To every doctor, nurse, cleaner, porter, parametric and everyone in between: thank you for being our lifeline. Your skill, compassion, and commitment shine brightest during these challenging times. We are eternally grateful for the care you give.
As you care for others, please remember to look after yourselves. May you find moments of joy and laughter with loved ones, and know that your extraordinary efforts are seen, valued, and deeply."

"Dear NHS workers, in times of illness and distress, you have been there for me and a lot of my family and friends. This is to say thank you for all every one of you does, throughout every staff level from every walk of life, you are appreciated and loved. For the dedication and care you all give. The hardwork you put in. Especially in these times of hardship and terribly constant pressure. As a member of the public who once worked on your team, I know it takes strength to keep going and do your best. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish the best life can bring you all especially at Christmas. Sending love and admiration for your constant willingness to help other people.
Merry Christmas and happy new year."

"Thank you to all NHS staff including the 'forgotten overlooked' ones. Thank you for such a much needed service for free. Even though times are tough for our NHS in general it's invaluable and a priceless service I'm always greatful to receive or know others need it. Thank you 👏
Wishing you all festive cheer and blessings throughout the coming years!"

"As a long retired NHS hospital employee I know how hard everyone works & the challenges of the service.
So many thanks for all your help and support you provide to patients, which increasingly includes my wife & I.
Hope you will enjoy a lovely Christmas break from your toils for us."

"Dear NHS Colleagues
As we approach the Christmas season, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything you do. Your dedication, compassion, anc unwavering commitment to caring for others-often in challenging and unpredictable circumstances-are truly inspiring
Thank you for your strength, your professionalism, and the kindness you show patients and their families every single day. You make ar
Immeasurable difference, not only through your skills but through the humanity you bring to your work.
Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Christmas, and hoping the holiday season brings you moments of rest warmth, and well-deserved appreciation.
With sincere thanks and respect."

"We as a family are so very grateful to every part of the NHS it is a vital part of our lives and very underpaid. So much appreciated under major difficulties. Love and merry Christmas to everyone from our family xxx❤️❤️🎄🎄🎄"

"Thank you so much for all you do for us. Long anti-social hours, always a smile, always there for us - thank you does not say it all.
I pray that your Christmas is peaceful and flu sufferers do not overwhelm you. Every blessing Prudence"

"I appreciate how hard most of you work, my daughter is undergoing chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer and it makes such a difference who is on duty & their attitude. Only one person has been unkind/don’t care less. Most are very sweet & caring & when you are feeling as low as can be & dealing with all the side effects of chemo, that’s what is needed.
I understand how busy you all are & wish governments would get together with hospital trusts & sort out what’s happening in the NHS. Thank you for all your efforts & caring & I wish you a Merry Christmas & a healthy New Year whenever you are able to celebrate them."

"Overworked and underappreciated but you remain hardworking, loyal and dedicated. I fully appreciate everything you do every day and thank you on behalf of me and my family. I wish you all a peaceful and joyful Christmas."

"Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, whenever you have to take yours! Thank you for all that you do and I hope Santa brings you nice things including a health secretary and PM who aren't working for private health businesses and rapacious capitalists in the US and instead invests in our NHS and you, the people that keep it running."

You can read all the 4,500+ messages by going here.

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