PATIENTS and their families are being encouraged to say “thank you” to nurses as a survey reveals most people feel their hard work goes unappreciated.

Charity the Cavell Nurses’ Trust, which supports healthcare workers through difficult times, has launched a campaign urging people to acknowledge the difference nurse and care staff have made to them.

They commissioned a survey which found that more than 90 per cent of people think nurses are under-appreciated for the work they do and that 57 per cent feel that nurses are the most under- appreciated workers in Britain.

Through “Moment of Thanks” the trust is asking people to share their stories and gratitude through social media and the Moment of Thanks website for the workers who “care for us” from birth to the end of our lives.