NHS 75: Salisbury Cathedral to be lit up blue for anniversary
It's among a number of landmarks honouring the health service this week
Salisbury Cathedral will be lit up blue tomorrow night (Wednesday 5th July) to mark 75 years of the NHS.
We're encouraged to reflect on our own experiences of the health service's work during the light displays.
This also follows a service of thanksgiving for the NHS, held at the Cathedral last week.
The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said:
‘For three quarters of a century the NHS has been at the heart of our community, caring for us, saving lives, and preparing us for our dying.
"The Cathedral likewise observes key moments in life’s journey - our beginnings, and our most momentous commitments; the Cathedral too seeks to relieve suffering through practical compassion; and as a Christian community we try to prepare for our dying in faith and with hope. God bless the NHS!"
The Salisbury landmark is among many in the NHS area that covers Wiltshire that's being lit up blue for the anniversary.
Others include Swindon's Central Library and Bath's Roman Baths.
Sue Harriman, Chief Executive, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said:
“People have always been at the heart of the NHS and I know so many people have the NHS in their hearts, which is why I hope residents in our region will join me in sharing an enormous sense of pride when these iconic local landmarks go blue on Wednesday 5 July.
“For 75 years, the NHS has been a constant aspect of our everyday lives, and something we have all relied upon at one time or another.
“I’m sure that people in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire going about their everyday lives will see these anniversary light displays and be warmly reminded of their own experience of the NHS, and how it has cared for them and their families over the years.”
The NHS became the world’s first health service that was available for free at the point of need when it was established on Monday 5 July 1948.
Now, in 2023, the NHS cares for around one million people each and every day.