Heartbeat: Special thanksgiving service to celebrate the NHS’s 70th birthday
August 14, 2018
L-R Rev Mary Causer, Chairman Richard Samuda, Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Joy Edis, and Rev Anne Stevenson
A special thanksgiving service was held in Sandwell Hospital’s chapel to mark the 70th birthday of the NHS.
The event featured a question and answer session with Chief Nurse, Paula Gardner as well as prayers from Rev Mary Causer and a message from the Prime Minister, Theresa May.
Colleagues Jenny Porter, a research and development nurse, who has worked for the organisation for more than 30 years and Rose Butler, a nurse in the x-ray department, both spoke about their own experiences of the NHS.
During the 40 minute service, guests at the event, who included colleagues, visitors and patients, listened to the story of dedicated nurse Mary Cox, who was recently featured as an NHS Hero in the Sandwell Chronicle. The article was read out by Hindu Chaplain. Rakesh Bhatt and Glynnis Fenner, Head of Trust Bank.
The event was praised by the Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Joy Edis, who was guest of honour at the service. Councillor Edis worked at the hospital as a domestic and rose up the ranks to become a manager for the service before she retired in 2012. She said: “It was an honour to be at this thanksgiving service to celebrate 70 years of the NHS at Sandwell Hospital.
“The event was very emotional for me, as I think of how people have dedicated their lives to the NHS, making sure everyone receives the care that they need.
“I would like to say thank you to all NHS staff for the wonderful work that they are doing.”
Patient Andrea Kerr, who also came along to the event, added: “I think the service was beautiful and touching. It’s important that we recognise the NHS and the great work that it does for patients. I believe, by attending this thanksgiving service, I showed my appreciation to the NHS, especially to the multidisciplinary teams at Sandwell Hospital, who have been looking after me.
“I would also like to add that the chaplaincy has been very supportive towards me. Rev Mary Causer and Rev Ann Stevenson have always been there for me when I need them the most. No words can express my gratitude to both of them for all the support that they have given me.”
Reverend Mary Causer, who organised the event, added: “I am delighted to see the event was welcomed by our colleagues, visitors and patients.
“The NHS is 70 years old, what a triumph for those who were passionate about people getting a fair deal for us when it came to our health. It is important that we remember those men and women who have served us over the years, to pray and thank God for all that he has done.
“I believe we achieved all that we set out to do, working in collaboration with the communications team, the volunteer service, Jenny Porter and of course the cake makers. They all helped the event flow really well.”