Celebrating 75 years of the NHS

On Wednesday 5 July the NHS marks 75 years of service. Both locally and nationally, organisations are celebrating this milestone in many different ways.

ICS partners across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are no different, with events going on right across the patch. From NHS Parkrun events on 8 and 9 July, to council buildings ‘lighting up blue’ to mark the occasion. Follow us at @StaffsStokeICS on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with local celebrations.

One of the first dates on the calendar of celebrations was 22 June, which saw the 75^th anniversary of the 1948 arrival of the Windrush. HMT Empire Windrush arrived in the UK carrying more than 1,000 migrants from the West Indies, many of which came to work for the NHS, which launched just two weeks later. Locally, we took this opportunity to celebrate diversity within health and care organisations, and thank not only ethnic minority colleagues, but also colleagues from many other diverse groups, such as LGBTQ+. 

Continuing along the lines of thanking hardworking staff, national ‘Thank You Day’ took place on Sunday 2 July, with people up and down the country coming together to say thank you to the institution, as part of the Together Coalition’s annual celebration. You can find out more about the annual event at www.thankyouday.org.uk.

Some of the other key messages from the NHS 75^th birthday include how we can inspire future generations of staff, celebrating research and innovation within the NHS, and encouraging people to hold ‘NHS Big Tea’ events. There’s still time if you want to get involved and celebrate your NHS. Head to www.england.nhs.uk/nhsbirthday/ to find out more.