Basingstoke Fire Station will be lit up blue this weekend (Saturday 3 July – Monday 5 July) in honour of the NHS turning 73 on Monday 5 July.
The fire station has been transformed into a mass COVID-19 vaccination centre, run by Solent NHS Trust, since February.
People working at the centre, which includes firefighters and support staff from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS), have been playing their part in protecting people from COVID-19 by offering vaccinations seven days a week, 8am to 8pm. The fire station has remained fully operational throughout.
Sue Harriman, Chief Executive at Solent NHS Trust, said: “The pandemic has been incredibly challenging for everyone, and the NHS has experienced times like never before. With the vaccination programme comes hope as we continue to roll out the biggest vaccination programme in health service history.
“Lighting up the Basingstoke Fire Station for the NHS birthday is a fitting tribute to our incredible NHS, and the ongoing support shown by people during the pandemic. We are incredibly grateful to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for the mutual aid they have given which has helped us to vaccinate over 100,000 people at the Basingstoke Fire Station.”
Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin said: “We are all full of admiration for the resilience, dedication and commitment shown by our NHS colleagues during these exceptionally challenging times.
“Lighting up Basingstoke Fire Station is a fitting way to mark our appreciation for the NHS and the part we have been able to play in the vaccination programme.”