BASILDON councillors have agreed to bestow the Freedom of Entry to the Borough status onto NHS organisations for their 'extraordinary services' to residents during COVID19.

Freedom of Entry status is awarded in exceptional circumstances to organisations who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and have brought pride to the borough. It is the highest award that Basildon Council can give on behalf of its residents.

The NHS organisations being awarded Freedom of Entry to the Borough status in recognition of the heroic service, these organisations, and the many other providers that work with them, have provided to the borough during the COVID19 pandemic are:

Basildon & Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

North East London NHS Foundation Trust

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Council leader Cllr Andrew Baggott said: "On behalf of the council, I would like to give our sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the borough's keyworkers who have kept our country going since the coronavirus pandemic began.

"The NHS in particular has provided heroic service to our borough during the COVID19 pandemic and have saved countless lives with their dedication and care. The last twelve months have probably been the most challenging of their working lives, both emotionally and physically and it is important that we acknowledge that and thank them."

Nigel Beverley, Chairman of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust added: "We are delighted to have received this honour and I know our dedicated staff will be incredibly grateful to have been recognised in this way. It's been a very challenging time for us all and I'd like to personally thank council colleagues, health and care partners and our local communities for their generosity and support.

"Working together as a system over the past year has meant we have been able to provide the best care possible for all of our patients."