Celebrations are taking place across Milton Keynes today (5/7) to mark the NHS' 73rd birthday.
The NHS was established in 1948 as the centrepiece of social reforms following the Second World War, with a mission to provide state-funded comprehensive universal healthcare.
It is since proved a vital part of people's lives, especially over the past year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are celebrations going on across the country, including the NHS Big Tea. People in Milton Keynes are being invited to take a tea break at 3pm and make a £5 donation to Milton Keynes Hospital Charity.
The charity is dedicated to enhancing the experience of patients, their families and staff at our local hospital.
Happy Birthday NHS🎈
— Milton Keynes Hospital Charity (@MKHCharity) July 5, 2021
Today we celebrate the our incredible NHS staff, who have done so much to support everyone through the Pandemic.
Raise a cuppa and text BIGTEA to 70470 to donate £5 to MK Hospital Charity (text cost £5 & 1 std rate msg)
#ThankYouNHS #MotivationMonday #MKUH pic.twitter.com/SFFpT9L46j
There will be another form of celebration taking place later on this evening, where local church bells will be ringing as a thank you to NHS workers.
One of the churches taking part is St Mary’s Church in Woughton-on-the-Green, where residents will hear its bells ring at 8pm.
Martin Petchey, Chair of the local branch of the Oxford Diocesan Guild of bellringers, will be part of the band.
He said: “Through most of the pandemic, bells have been silent because ringers have been unable to meet indoors in the belfry – now six of us can meet in the belfry, after May’s relaxations, and we will be seizing that opportunity to represent the nation in giving thanks for the NHS.
“I was one of the first cohorts of babies born under the NHS, and it’s looked after me all my life – I’m really glad to celebrate its years of service.”
In other news, staff at Milton Keynes University Hospital have used this opportunity to highlight the challenges they have faced over the past year by creating a yearbook. It features special awards that have been given to staff and the vaccination centre that was one of the UK's first to open last year.
If you would like to donate £5 to Milton Kenes Hospital Charity then text BIGTEA to 70470 (text cost £5 & 1 std rate msg).
