Sheffield City Region mayor sends his 'profound and heartfelt gratitude' to front line NHS workers

In a letter to health care staff across the region, Mayor Jarvis said people will be ‘forever in the debt’ of NHS front line workers and he would continue to fight for them to get better pay.

Across South Yorkshire, 19 people have died altogether, with 13 deaths in Sheffield, three deaths in Barnsley, two in Doncaster and one in Rotherham.

The latest figures, which were released on Sunday, March 29, stated that the total number of cases in Sheffield had risen to 387, with the total across South Yorkshire now at 561.

Mayor Jarvis, who is also MP for Barnsley Central, said: “I want to express my profound and heartfelt gratitude to all of you on the front line of the most serious public health crisis any of us have faced. The Coronavirus crisis has placed enormous strain on all of our lives. Our NHS is at the sharp end of protecting the most vulnerable and keeping our communities safe.

“This crisis has undoubtedly brought out the best in people. Those who are stepping up to the plate to make sure their elderly neighbour gets the food and medicine they need. Clinical and support staff who are digging out blind to keep our health service going. The trade unions, like UNISON, who are standing up for supporting the national interest. All of you deserve our profound and heartfelt gratitude.

“But there is more that needs to be done to support those at the sharp end of keeping our country going. I’m campaigning hard to ensure that you get the equipment and support you need to do your jobs, ensuring that your personal safety is paramount throughout this crisis.

“I will continue to stand up for you throughout this period of crisis to make sure you have the tools to do your job; and, when we, together, overcome this disease, I will always fight for better pay, terms and conditions for all of our health workers and for our NHS to get the resources it needs and deserves.”