Brits tweet with #LoveOurEUStaff hashtag to thank European NHS workers after Brexit vote

NHS workers hold placards at a pro-EU event before Thursday's referendum
Luke MacGregor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Jamie Bullen25 June 2016

European NHS workers have been inundated with messages of support following Britain’s vote to leave the EU.

The hashtag #LoveOurEUStaff began trending on Twitter as NHS colleagues and managers paid tribute to EU health and care staff.

It is estimated 55,000 out of the 1.2 million English NHS staff are EU citizens - including doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, support workers and those in admin roles.

Hospital bosses said the repercussions of a Brexit vote on the NHS were unknown but moved quickly to show solidarity with workers.

Joe Harrison, CEO of Milton Keynes Hospital, said: “It will take time to understand what exit from the European Union will mean for all for us.

"I do want to be clear that there is one thing that will not change.

“And that is the high regard and respect which we hold for all our staff, and particularly today those who come from overseas to work in our hospital and in our NHS.”

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Colleagues soon used the hashtag to post their messages of support as they recounted experiences when they had been aided by EU staff.

Holly Finch tweeted: “I've worked on wards where those from the EU are the most caring, compassionate, knowledgeable and irreplaceable #LoveOurEUStaff

Abi Cutts wrote: “Honestly not sure how the NHS will cope once we actually leave but I appreciate you all! #LoveOurEUStaff.

Nurse Venetia Wynter-Blyth posted: “#LoveOurEUStaff - as much a part of the NHS team today and tomorrow as yesterday.”

Welcomed: Sir Bruce Keogh called on NHS leaders to support EU staff ( Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)
Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

The heartwarming response was made following a call from the NHS’s most senior doctor Sir Bruce Keogh for leaders to support European staff welcome after the dramatic result.

He told the Health Service Journal: “It is really important we make them feel welcome”.

“If you are a European doctor or nurse you might not feel too welcome at the moment. The essence of delivering high quality care is dependent on a workforce that feels valued and secure.”

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