NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said he hoped the public would use the anniversary as an opportunity to "say a heartfelt thank you" to hospital staff.

A nationwide round of applause is set to take place on Sunday evening to mark the 72nd anniversary of the National Health Service - watch live later here:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/05/nationwide-applause-pay-tribute-72-years-nhs/?WT.mc_id=tmg_youtube_offsite_televideo-youtubevideo_july5bnhs&utm_source=tmgoff&utm_medium=tmg_youtube&utm_content=offsite_televideo&utm_campaign=tmg_youtube_offsite_televideo-youtubevideo_july5bnhs

On the eve of the event, Britons observed a minute's silence and lit a candle in memory of those who have died during the coronavirus pandemic.

Boris Johnson took part, with Downing Street lighting up in blue on Saturday night as a candle burned at the Prime Minister's official residence at 9pm.

Mr Johnson will meet NHS workers in the Number 10 garden on Sunday afternoon.

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