Staffordshire and Cheshire celebrates 75 years of the NHS
The health service began on the 5th July 1948
Last updated 5th Jul 2023
The NHS in Staffordshire is marking the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service this week.
Peter Axon, Interim Chief Executive Officer for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB stated:
“Over the past seven decades, the NHS has continually evolved, embracing advancements in medical science, technology, and patient-centered care. It has consistently adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of society, rising to challenges such as epidemics, pandemics, and ground-breaking medical breakthroughs.
“Today, the NHS stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise of its skilled workforce, which includes doctors, nurses, paramedics, administrators, and countless other professionals who work tirelessly around the clock to deliver exceptional care. Their unwavering commitment to saving lives, promoting wellness, and enhancing the overall health of the nation has made the NHS an internationally acclaimed healthcare institution.”
In Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent on the 8th of July, there will be local parkrun events taking place, dedicated to celebrating the NHS birthday, with junior parkrun events on the 9th of July.
A total of 39 awards have been given out to staff with more than 25 years’ experience – three of which have a huge total of more than 40 years’ service each.
To celebrate, the ICB brought together some local staff that have served over 30 years in the NHS and gave them the opportunity to reminisce on their years of long service and the impact it has had on their career.
Celebrations to mark the anniversary are taking place across the health sector, with famous faces also paying tribute to the service.
Sir Andy Murray, Britain's most successful tennis player, shared his thanks for the "indispensable" NHS and spoke about how it has supported his family.
Hollywood actor Tom Hardy will be reading Zog And The Flying Doctors on CBeebies Bedtime Stories on Wednesday evening while artist Charlie Mackesy has created a special NHS75 illustration.
The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised NHS staff by dropping in for a tea party at a London hospital while Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will be joined by 1,500 health service staff, politicians and other supporters of the NHS at a special service at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday.
The first baby born in the health service, Nye Thomas, will also attend.