Following news of the tragic events at a Manchester Arena concert on Monday 22nd May, the NHS Confederation has released a statement praising the emergency services for their efforts.

Responding to the events, Niall Dickson, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents health service organisations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this shocking tragedy.

“Together with the other emergency services, frontline NHS responders, managers, and other staff have once again responded superbly to a major incident and are providing the treatment, care and support that is needed. It is at times like these that as a society we really appreciate how important the health service is in all our lives.”

Following the blast, which is believed to have happened in the foyer of the Manchester Arena towards the end of an Ariana Grande concert, 22 people have so far been confirmed dead with 59 said to be injured.

The cause of the blast is said to be from an improvised bomb, detonated by a lone male who died in the attack.

It is believed that around 60 ambulances attended the scene and casualties are being treated in six surrounding hospitals.

More details of the incident and live updates can be found on the BBC website.

www.nhsconfed.org