Prince Charles sends heartfelt message to NHS staff at Airedale Hospital as it marks 50th anniversary

The royal sent a personal video message for the 3,000 staff at Airedale Hospital on Friday expressing his gratitude for their continued efforts throughout the Covid-19 crisis, as this year marks its 50th birthday.

Prince Charles himself formally opened Airedale in December 1970 when he just 22.

Although revisiting the Keighley hospital this year is not possible amidst the pandemic, the Prince told staff in his message that the area remained one "very close to his heart" and that he had been struck by its "beautiful location" at the foot of the Dales.

Speaking from his Birkhall home in Scotland, the Prince of Wales said he and his family were "humbled and deeply grateful" for everything the NHS has done and continues to do amidst the biggest health crisis seen for generations.

He also went on to acknowledge how this year had been “a profoundly difficult one for this country, and globally”, presenting “extraordinary challenges" for the NHS.

He continued: “My heart has gone out to all of you working tirelessly to care for people affected by this cruel and indiscriminate virus.”

Prince Charles tested positive for Covid-19 himself back in March and spent seven days self-isolating in Scotland as a result. He said in June that he felt he had gotten away "lightly" with the virus.

Some 117 patients at Airedale so far have died after testing positive for the disease.

Prince Charles thanked staff for caring for patients and supporting their families and “for keeping the whole NHS ship afloat while at the same time having your own families to care for”.

He ended his message by wholeheartedly thanking staff “wherever you work, whatever job you do, you have all played a vital part in fighting this pandemic, as part of our remarkable NHS.”

“I want to say to you all at Airedale that you occupy a very special place at the heart of your community and I know you will be the cornerstone of your community for the next 50 years.”

Brendan Brown, Chief Executive at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are deeply honoured and absolutely delighted that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has taken the time to make this very special message for our staff.

“It has been an extraordinary year, and certainly not the year of celebration that we had envisaged.

"However it has shown us what we’re capable of when really tested, and our people have done us proud, demonstrating astonishing dedication and professionalism in the face of a truly challenging situation.

"I know that this message from His Royal Highness will be a boost to them after all they’ve been through: it is a fitting way to honour the hospital’s 50th anniversary, and the Trust’s commitment to providing services for the next 50 years.”

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