Covid-19 survivors are demanding ministers give a fair pay deal to NHS staff who saved them.
It comes amid reports the Government may increase its paltry 1% pay proposal after a huge backlash but only to between 2% and 3% .
Given inflation could be up to 2% by the end of the year, the current 1% plan would be a real-terms pay cut.
The first baby born in the NHS, in 1948, told the Mirror the offer is “a slur and an insult to our caregivers”.
Aneira Thomas, now 72, was named after Labour ’s NHS founder Aneurin Bevan.
She said: “This pay decision backtracks on all this Government said during the pandemic about how ‘wonderful’ our NHS is. Praise isn’t going to pay the bills.”
What is your view? Have your say in the comments section
Labour leader Keir Starmer has backed a higher pay rise, with 2.1% as its “starting point”.
However PM Boris Johnson, himself saved by the NHS, insists 1% is “as much as we possibly can offer”.
The NHS Pay Review Body will give its recommendation in May, before MPs decide.
Here we talk to some of those with very personal reasons for wanting a better deal for our healthcare heroes...
Fatima Bridle
One of Britain’s longest suffering Covid patients last night backed the call to get a fair deal for doctors and nurses over pay.
Fatima, of Southampton, contracted the virus a year ago and spent 141 days in hospital, 105 of which were on a ventilator, battling the virus, sepsis and pneumonia.
She describes those who cared for her at Southampton General Hospital as “selfless heroes”.
She says: “The NHS saved my life and that of others – they gave us a second chance.
"But in doing so they risked their own lives. It’s time to give something back to them.”
Betty Brown
Pensioner Betty wants “wonderful” NHS staff to be given the “big pay rise” they deserve.
Dubbed Supergran by her family – including 11 great-grandchildren – Betty feels like “the happiest and luckiest person”
having beaten Covid, thanks to staff at Berwick Infirmary.
Betty, from, Belford, Northumberland, paid tribute to medics, cleaners, porters and healthcare assistants who cared for her saying: “They all deserve more than 1%.
“They had a really nice attitude which makes all the difference in hospital. Nurses deserve 100% more, if we could afford it.”
Kennedy Mercer
Parents Paul and Jeanette watched as medics fought to save daughter Kennedy, who was in intensive care for three weeks with the virus.
Kennedy has spinal muscular atrophy, which makes her vulnerable to Covid.
She was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London in October.
Paul says the commitment staff showed was “amazing”.
He says: “They were in an airtight room with someone who had this deadly virus.
"They not only kept her alive but supported me too.
"We owe them everything. Their sacrifices should be rewarded. They do an amazing job.”
Brian Harvey
The retired builder nicknamed Teflon Man by nurses after being in a four-week coma and spending months in hospital has labelled the pay rise “disgusting”.
Brian, of Bristol, was admitted into Bristol Royal Infirmary late last March with what doctors thought was pneumonia but, after tests revealed he had Covid-19, he was put into an induced coma.
Brian says: “The staff who dealt with me – I can’t speak highly enough of them – they saved my life.”
His wife Mary, 68, adds: “I still look at him and think, ‘Oh my God, he’s here'."
Paula Dale
Daily Mirror Managing Editor Paula was in hospital for 102 days from last April, 46 of those were spent in ICU, with 15 days on a ventilator.
She says: “I spent 15 days unconscious and you have no idea when they put you to sleep whether you will wake up.
"Your total trust and faith is in those doctors and nurses monitoring you around the clock.
“I lost track of the number of nurses, specialist nurses, doctors, consultants, psychiatrists, physios who looked after me.
"I have had faultless care and the Government’s recommendation of 1% pay rise for these NHS workers is really insulting.”
Rebecca Fannon
Mum-of-one Rebecca was rushed to hospital with Covid a year ago.
She was on a high dependency unit for a week before being moved to a specialist ward.
Rebecca, of Failsworth, Gtr Manchester, says: “It was horrific.
"They were dealing with us patients, who had Covid, face to face, and they had no proper PPE.
"They were so over-stretched, absolutely run off their feet.
“The Government is spouting, ‘We are supporting the NHS, we are here for the NHS’.
"Well, they’re not.
"If I was a nurse I’d feel such a small pay rise was a kick in the teeth.”
Michele Andrew
Terminally ill Michele, who has cancer, says she and both her parents had all had life-saving NHS care.
Michele, from York, says: “My parents had life-saving operations.
"They both had cancer, my mother had a stroke, and they were helped enormously by NHS nurses.
“The NHS has saved my life twice through breast cancer surgery.”
She describes the 1% pay offer as “degrading”.
She says: “Boris Johnson was at death’s door.
"Surely he would think back about the people who saved his own life.
“I feel angered, saddened and disgusted by this appalling cheapness of human spirit.”
Leanne Lewis
Nurse Leanne was in hospital with the virus in December and is still off work.
She says: “I caught it in October at work while I was covering all wards.
"I thought I was dying, I had pain throughout my body and breathing difficulties.
“I am still off work. I am still breathless with lung pain.
"My heart rate is out of control.”
Leanne, from Bridgend, South Wales, adds: “The hospitals are so stretched the staff are on their knees, physically and mentally traumatised.
"To offer people like that 1% is just insulting.
"So many I know are just prepared to leave – they’ve had enough.”
