Heartbeat: Colleagues celebrate NHS 70 in style
August 7, 2018
Earlier this month, the NHS celebrated its 70th birthday and hundreds of colleagues, patients and visitors came together to help mark the milestone.
A huge event was held at City Hospital, which was funded by Unison and Unite, whilst at Sandwell, there was a smaller tea party within the Courtyard Garden. Both had entertainment, food and stalls from specialties across the groups.
GMB Trade Union arranged for a vintage ambulance to visit Rowley Regis Hospital and they also took along 200 donuts as a treat for the team and visitors.
Sandwell party-goer Claire Roach popped in during her break and told Heartbeat: “There’s a wonderful atmosphere and everyone is really enjoying themselves. Our team really wanted to be part of the celebrations and we’re so glad we could make it along.”
As part of the Sandwell event there was an exhibition of old photographs and artefacts organised by Jenny Porter, who is a research nurse and also runs a hospital histories group. Jenny said: “There was a tremendous amount of interest in the old pictures which dated back to the 1920s. It led to many people wanting to share their memories of working here and also being a patient. The hospital histories group is currently collating memories for a book that we are producing and would welcome people to come forward with any other old photos or memorabilia they may have.”
Chris Rickards, Trust Convenor had organised the City Hospital party. She said: “There were more than 1,000 visitors coming along throughout the day. The atmosphere was electric and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
“We had a wide variety of food from various cultures which went down really well. Whilst the bucking broncho was a complete hit with not just our community, but even with some of our senior leaders who came along after their Trust Board meeting.
“A magician provided some great entertainment, whilst local MP Shabana Mahmood came along to soak up the atmosphere.”
After the party Chris took along the specially made 70th birthday cake to Leasowes Intermediate Care Centre, to donate it to colleagues and patients.
Theatre Practitioner, Colleen Stirling visited the City Hospital party along with her colleague Kamla Devi.
Colleen said: “We’ve really enjoyed the party, the food is lovely and it’s nice to be recognised. The event is a great occasion to bring our colleagues and the community together.”
It wasn’t just colleagues who were celebrating – patients joined in too, with wards and departments hosting their own small parties, whilst each inpatient received a birthday card which contained a special message from Chief Executive, Toby Lewis and Chief Nurse, Paula Gardner – who both also hand delivered cards to patients on Lyndon 4 and D26.
As they received their cards, patients were full of praise for the NHS and for the treatment they were experiencing at our Trust.
Patient, Glynn Davies told Heartbeat: “I had a total hip replacement two days ago and I should be going home tomorrow. I cannot fault the service at all – I already feel so much better.”
Meanwhile, Mary Rowland, a patient at Leasowes said: “The team here is wonderful and look after me brilliantly. I can remember the NHS starting when I was 13 and it was amazing to start receiving free healthcare.”
Many people won’t remember what they were doing when the NHS turned 70, but Nicola Dunn and Andrew Palmer will have a clear memory of 5 July 2018, as at 12.06am, their daughter Anastasia Palmer was born was City Hospital – becoming of one of the first NHS 70 babies.
Heartbeat visited the new parents and Nicola said: “The midwives were fantastic and we were certainly surprised to learn that our daughter shares the same birthday with the NHS. It’s a special day and we just want to say thank you to the NHS for looking after us when we need it.
“We also received a birthday card from the Trust and we think it’s a very nice gesture. We are sure Anastasia will be so happy to read the card when she is a bit older.”