Celebrating 75 Years of the NHS

On 5th July the NHS is celebrating a big birthday – an amazing 75 years old.

Formed at a time of great uncertainty in 1948 but created with optimism and hope the founding principles of the NHS remain as relevant and valued today as they did then. While a lot has changed over the past seven decades, the NHS has remained a constant in all our lives – a true British institution. One we should all be incredibly proud to be a part of.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the skill, dedication, and compassion of over 17,000 people who work in the NHS in Somerset – not including those who volunteer and support it.

While the past few years have been incredibly tough on everyone, with unpresented challenges and demands, we are keen to use this year as an opportunity to celebrate the positive impact the NHS in Somerset has had on all our lives.

We can all play a role in supporting the NHS in this special birthday year and NHS Somerset is asking you to get involved and help tell its story.

• NHS Somerset wants to hear from people who may have worked in the NHS previously or still work in healthcare today. Do you have a resounding memory you can share? Perhaps it was the first day in the NHS and what that felt like for you, or an old or current uniform or piece of equipment that tells its own story. Could you share photos to help see how things have changed and build up a picture of then and now?
• Are you or someone you know turning 75 this year, if so, NHS Somerset would love to hear from you and find out just what creation of the NHS has meant for you throughout your lifetime – perhaps you remember being told what it was like living without universal health care and what a difference it made to you and your families lives.
• NHS Somerset also wants to hear from people who volunteer in the NHS to understand why this matters to you and most importantly;
• it would love to hear from anyone who would like to share their thoughts and reflections on the impact the NHS has had on them and the ones they love.

To share your story go to somersetics.org.uk/nhs-75-share-your-story / or click the link.

For more information go to england.nhs.uk/nhsbirthday / or click the link.