NHS have been Leeds' backbone - now give them the respect they deserve - the YEP says

Our city’s dedicated NHS staff have been the shining lights through the darkness and despair.

And as the pandemic’s grip on our city tightened, they were making the lifesaving choices to care for poorly patients

Pensioner Eric Bowen is grateful to the staff who cared for him while he was admitted to St James’ Hospital for seven weeks.

But for Mr Bowen, the “real heroes” are those who are quietly working behind the scenes - often coming into the most contact with patients.

Yet he fears it is those members of staff from the support teams who miss out on the recognition they deserve.

The paltry one per cent pay rise offered to the NHS does not go far enough. As Mr Bowen said: “Claps on the doorstep, however, do not put bread on the table.”

And that is why we are today backing his call with our front page to make sure our NHS heroes get the respect they deserve for being our lifeline.