The NHS turns 70 on 5 July this year, offering the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of one of the nation’s most loved institutions: to appreciate the vital role the service plays in our lives, and to recognise and thank the extraordinary NHS staff – the everyday heroes – who are there to guide, support and care for us, day in, day out.
A lot has changed since 1948, from the first mass vaccination programmes of the 1950s and the birth of district hospitals in the 1960s, to today’s sophisticated technology, increased care in the community and the development of coordinated care across organisational boundaries.
However, what hasn’t changed over the past 70 years is the principle of delivering the very best physical and mental healthcare, free at the point of use, which meets everyone’s needs.
This is why our NHS is so beloved by so many.
As part of the celebrations, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is marking this historic occasion with photo displays in the main foyer at Bradford Royal Infirmary capturing the local NHS over the past seven decades.
There’ll also be displays of key medical achievements and advancements through the years which have put Bradford on the map.
Dedicated their lives
And we’ll be honouring people, including former staff who worked for the NHS in 1948, who have dedicated their lives to our great National Health Service.
The anniversary is a wonderful opportunity for us all to celebrate both the NHS and Bradford Hospitals. Taking the time to appreciate all that our staff do, and have done throughout the years to care for patients and ensure the smooth running of our hospitals and services, is hugely significant.
It also offers the NHS an opportunity to remind everyone of all the ways in which you can support your local healthcare services – from joining us as a member of staff or volunteering for our Trust, to becoming a Foundation Trust member or fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity.
More details about our celebrations will be coming soon…