Local health and social care workers involved in national NHS celebrations
Staff working in local health, care and the voluntary sector roles are preparing to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS this Wednesday, 5th July.
While some will be heading to London for a national service of thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey, others will be marking the occasion in their workplaces.
Many will be gathering for a traditional British celebratory cuppa, holding their own ‘NHS Big Tea’ to commemorate three-quarters of a century since the National Health Service was founded. The Big Teas will also be used as opportunities to raise funds for good causes.
Dr Lalitha Iyer, the Chief Medical Officer for NHS Frimley, is one of those nominated to be part of the congregation at Westminster Abbey. She said: “I’m extremely honoured to be put forward to join so many wonderful, dedicated colleagues from across health, social care and the voluntary sector for this national commemoration.
“We’ve had a tough few years but the NHS remains a real force for good and is still so highly valued by people across the country and I’m immensely proud to be part of it.
“I hope that all staff who work for or with the NHS, wherever they are and in whatever capacity they work, will be able to pause at some point on Wednesday to be able to mark the occasion and to also recognise the part that they play in such a great national institution.”
Also heading for Westminster Abbey will be Chey Sparks, a qualified nurse and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Coordinator for Frimley Health and Care, who said: “It’s quite daunting for me to be asked to attend such a large event in such a prestigious venue but I’m keen to go as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance and it’s a real honour.
“I feel so lucky to work for the NHS and to be part of this enormous, diverse, national team that makes a difference to the lives of so many people every day of the year.”
The NHS came into being on 5th July 1948, based on three core principles; That it meet the needs of everyone; That it be free at the point of delivery, and; That it be based on clinical need, not ability to pay.
Since it was founded, among its many achievements it has led mass-vaccination campaigns, pioneered transplant surgery and IVF, as well as making many life-saving and life-changing medicines available to patients.