University of Portsmouth nursing student writes and records song paying tribute to NHS staff

Uty Pius, who is in the final year of her BN (Hons) Adult Nursing course at the University of Portsmouth, recorded the song Thank You NHS, praising the ‘amazing staff’ leading the fight in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

Currently working shifts at Southampton General Hospital as part of her course, the mum of three knows better than most about the selfless bravery and dedication of hospital staff caring for patients with Covid-19.

Uty said: ‘I got inspiration to write the song in March, watching how the pandemic was ravaging the world. Every day I see the passion and courage of every NHS staff member to support and save lives.’

The video starts with a short excerpt from the Queen’s address to the nation thanking the NHS. Set to the emotive backdrop of national applause as part of the Clap for our Carers campaign, the song begins with the lyrics ‘we have pride in our NHS selflessly giving us hope for a better day’. It ends with a message of hope reminding people ‘there is light at the end of the tunnel’.

Uty added: ‘I worked on the ward and all I could feel is the hope for ‘light at the end of the tunnel’, which hastened my writing to encourage everyone to say thank you to the NHS for the great job they are doing.

‘Luckily, my producer, King Baseda, was available to produce and master the song and I sent the audio to a videographer who put the clips together for the song.’

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Uty was born in Nigeria and originally started singing in the church choir in her country of birth.

She said: ‘I started singing at a young age in Nigeria. I have my gospel band, One Voice, and I serve in my local church, Victory Gospel Church in Southampton, where I also organise a free gospel concert to bring my community together through singing.’