70 years of NHS celebrated in Southend Hospital…and beyond!
06 July 2018
Health Care
There was tea, cake, bunting and smiles aplenty as staff from right across Southend Hospital helped say ‘happy birthday’ to the NHS as it turned 70.
There were also lots of selfie frames that zig zagged their way
from one end of the Trust to the other, as well as up and down the
Tower Block. Lots of wards and areas also celebrated with their
very own NHS 7tea, including Westcliff Ward.
Denise Townsend, Director of Nursing for Southend University
Hospital, said: "It's been an amazing day to be part of and staff
have respected their daily job activities at the same time as
celebrating 70 years of the NHS. They've really involved patients
and all put together some great celebrations, whether it has been
tea parties or displays. It's been a day of great camaraderie and
togetherness."
Over 50 pre-schools and nurseries signed up to be part of
#NHS70, asking children to dress up as doctors, nurses and allied
health professionals, raising awareness about the range of careers
available in the health service and help raise money for Southend
Hospital Charity.
Their mascot, Buddy Bear, braved the soaring temperatures to
visit, wave, dance and hug his way round hundreds of excited
youngsters all in a sea of blue, white and green as a whole range
of NHS careers.
Lucy Lock, Community Fundraising Officer for Southend Hospital
Charity, said: "We've seen a phenomenal outpouring of love for
Southend Hospital and the NHS as we've toured across Rayleigh,
Leigh, Southend, Westcliff, Hockley, Benfleet and Rochford
"It's been great to see the pre-schools and schools get so
involved with learning about the NHS and the vital work of Southend
Hospital through role playing games, making their own outfits to
colouring in pictures of healthcare professionals."
