In his Globe column this week Mark Greatrex, interim chief executive at Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, says thank you to our keyworkers working this Christmas ...

FOR many, the Christmas break is just that - a break, a time to reflect and rest.

But for those working in the NHS and other key sectors, Christmas Day is just another working day.

Here at Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (WCHC) our dedicated staff across many services will be working over the Christmas period and on duty this Christmas Day.

They join our NHS colleagues: paramedics, care workers, midwives, nurses and doctors to name a few, together with police officers, taxi drivers, engineers and even zookeepers!

These are the people who keep things running and keep us safe while we enjoy our time off.

I would like to share some words of NHS colleagues who will be working this Christmas Day, and what it means to them.

Swapping Buck's Fizz for a busy shift, forget Santa, these are the true heroes of Christmas …

Padraig O'Dea, social Worker, Rapid Community Response Team: "This Christmas I will visit my son very early before work commences to open his presents from Santa, a much needed pocket of happiness given the events of this year.

"To work on Christmas Day for the people of Wirral is a privilege and equally as a manager it is my job to lead by example and allow other hardworking staff to enjoy this special time with their loved ones."

Robert Fields, nurse practitioner, Wirral Walk-in Centres: "I'm sure a lot of people won't be spending Christmas around all of their loved ones this year - I will be working on Christmas Day and also missing out on time with the family.

"On the other hand I am glad that on the Wirral we have a robust urgent care service that will be providing a service to those in need during the holiday season.

"As a nurse I am committed to ensuring everyone in Wirral has access to excellent healthcare when they need it, whatever day of the year."

Jonathan Gregson, GP, GP Out of Hours at the Urgent Treatment Centre: "As a GP, working on Christmas Day is part of the job.

"To continue to provide care, whatever the day, is the responsibility of being a GP.

"What working on Christmas Day means to me is being part of a team - all working together to look after others.

"This extends beyond medics and healthcare professionals, but includes cleaners, delivery staff and porters too, all supporting each other as well as patients.

"Ultimately, I work on Christmas Day out of pride, pride to be part of the NHS and wear that iconic blue badge."

Margaret Moses, team leader, community nursing nights team: "Working Christmas night is a unique experience, one that I always enjoy despite the challenges the shift might bring.

"The camaraderie amongst staff is there to see, staff are upbeat and happy to be in work.

"We share time with our families during the day who know that it's part of our role to work over the holiday period and accept this.

"The patients are also very appreciative of the service we provide as they often express their gratitude in recognition that this a family occasion and time to be spent with loved ones."

To all NHS colleagues across the UK working this Christmas, I want to say thank you.

Thank you for everything you do, but especially for the extra sacrifice you make by working over the festive period.

We all have our part to play this Christmas.

Of course this is a time for festivities and spending precious time with loved ones, but please remember to celebrate safely.

Continue to follow the guidance to protect others, and to give 2021 a better chance of being a healthier, safer year.

As my final message of 2020, I would like to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a healthy New Year.