From our nurses to cleaners, security staff to pharmacists, COVID testers to doctors – healthcare workers across the Illawarra have worked incredibly hard under enormous pressure throughout the pandemic.

Particularly during the more than 100 days that NSW was in lockdown, healthcare workers have met the increasing challenges of this pandemic.

“While the rest of us are enjoying the easing of restrictions our healthcare staff remain on the frontline day in and day out to keep us safe”, Mr Scully said.

Modelling suggests that COVID case numbers and hospitalisation rates will rise, possibly dramatically, now that the state begins to re-open and people become more mobile again.

“It’s fantastic that we’ve reached these vaccination rate targets and that we are able to enjoy spending time with family and friends again, and supporting local businesses, but it does mean that there will be additional pressures on our health system.

“Many people have asked me how they can convey their thanks to local healthcare workers in appreciation of what they have done and what they are likely to be called on to do over the coming weeks”, Mr Scully said.

“Setting up a system to get a message to healthcare staff that will be presented to the Local Health District is a way that the community can provide its thanks, while I continue to work for more resources to support staff into the future.

“You can jump on my website (www.paulscullymp.com.au/community/thanks-to-healthcare-workers/) and leave your message of thanks to all of our healthcare workers and I’ll make sure they get it” he said.