Pictured: Rossendale nurses in training, class of '75
In 70 days, on 5 July 2018, the NHS will reach the milestone birthday of 70 years old. The NHS is one of the nation’s most loved institutions, and we are appealing to patients, staff and members of the public to help us celebrate the special anniversary by sharing their stories, photos and memories of healthcare in East Lancashire over the last 70 years.
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT), along with other healthcare organisations across the country, are taking part in NHS England’s NHS 70 celebrations. The anniversary provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the NHS and appreciate the advances in science, technology and information. It is also a great reason to recognise and thank the extraordinary staff who, through their vital roles, have helped transform the health and wellbeing of East Lancashire and beyond.
The stories will help form an exhibition showcasing the NHS in East Lancashire since 1948. We would like to hear from past and present staff members who were working in healthcare in 1948 at the very start of the NHS. Or those who have worked at the Trust (and its many guises) and would like to share their stories and memories. Are you part of a family who has worked for the Trust for generations? We would love to hear your stories about ‘keeping it in the family’.
We would really like to encourage patients to get involved and share their fond memories of the Trust’s hospitals, services and staff. Support for long term health conditions has transformed over the years. Hearing about your journey could highlight huge changes and developments in treatment.
Kevin McGee, Chief Executive at ELHT said: “The 70th anniversary of the NHS is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the remarkable developments in healthcare and to celebrate the achievements of this world renowned institution.
“By getting involved in our exhibition, you will help us to tell the local story of the NHS. The memories and stories we receive from patients and staff will also go towards an ambitious Heritage Lottery funded project led by the University of Manchester called ‘NHS at 70: The Story of our Lives’, which will preserve NHS heritage. This is just one of a number of events we have planned to celebrate the 70th anniversary, which we hope you will enjoy taking part in.”
The NHS was launched on 5 July 1948 by Aneurin Bevan, also known as Nye, the then Minister for Health. The purpose was to provide medical care free at point-of-need to all, regardless of wealth, from the cradle to the grave.
For the first time it brought together hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians and dentists under one national organisation. The NHS employs 1.7 million people across the UK and deals with over 1 million patients every 36 hours. It is the country’s biggest employer and ranks at number five globally.
You can share your stories and photos with us by emailing communications@elht.nhs.uk Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to view the memorabilia already received.