Beata Nagy – Housekeeper, Iwona Ward – Pharmacy Lead for Stroke, Debbie Discala – 2WW Colorectal Faster Diagnosis Nurse, Charlie Gepilga – Uro-oncology Cancer Support Worker, Michelle Bridger – Professional Nurse Advocate, pose outside Westminster Abbey
During last week’s celebrations for the 75th birthday of the NHS, some of our colleagues had the honour of being invited to events at 10 Downing Street and Westminster Abbey.
On Tuesday 4 July, Brenda Lynes, Director of Midwifery, and Alison Newby, Head of Midwifery, were invited to attend a reception for NHS Champions at No.10 Downing Street, along with Caroline Ansell MP. The event was hosted by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay.
Brenda Lynes, Director of Midwifery, Caroline Ansell MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon, Alison Newby, Head of Midwifery
During his speech Mr Barclay said:
‘The NHS has changed a lot over the last 75 years. Patients are 80% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease today than in 1948. Back then, the NHS had 144,000 members of staff – it now has 1.4 million. In 1948 it had a budget of £11 billion, it is now over £180 billion.
But two things haven’t changed. The amazing staff who provide high quality care for patients, and that it is free at the point of use. Those are the principles that we are all here to celebrate today.”
Alison and Brenda were delighted to attend the event to represent the trust’s maternity services and to celebrate our role in the NHS’s pledge to provide free care from ‘cradle to grave’.
On Wednesday 5 July a service was held at Westminster Abbey to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended the event, which was led by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle. An address was given by Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, who said:
“We come together today not to celebrate an idea, but to celebrate all those who have breathed life into it, who have made it mean something real to tens of millions of people over three quarters of a century, and who continue to give us hope for the future.”
Charlie Gepilga, Uro-oncology Cancer Support Worker, Beata Nagy, Housekeeper, Michelle Bridger, Professional Nurse Advocate, Debbie Discala – 2WW Colorectal Faster Diagnosis Nurse and Iwona Ward, Pharmacy Lead for Stroke, were all invited to attend the event.
We asked them for some words on their experience of the day:
“It is an honour to be part of an organisation that prioritises compassion, excellence, integrity, and teamwork in providing exceptional healthcare services to our community. We are dedicated to embodying these values in our daily work, ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care and support. Together, we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve, fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration.” – Beata Nagy, Housekeeper.
“We walked to the Abbey to join an extremely long and winding queue of NHS colleagues. I don’t think any of us anticipated just how many people would be there representing their trusts! We got quite excited at seeing some well-known faces: Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister, Kier Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, Steven Barclay, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to name a few.
“The Abbey is breathtakingly beautiful and the service was very moving. There was a tangible air of pride and respect and I cannot begin to tell you how proud I felt, being there, representing our trust. The day was perfect, the company delightful and we had an amazing time. There was lots of chatter and laughter and we have all said that we will keep in touch and meet for coffee. Thank you for allowing me to have this memorable experience. I am still feeling quite floaty from it!” – Michelle Bridger, Professional Nurse Advocate.
“It was a once in a lifetime experience and achievement to be put forward to attend the service. There were so many passionate and caring employees from across the country. I could not be prouder and luckier to bear witness to the greatness of the NHS in our daily lives for being one of over 1.4 million devoted employees, all doing our absolute best to cater for our patients and their family needs with dedication and compassion.” – Charlie Gepilga, Uro-oncology Cancer Support Worker.
“It was such a privilege to have been asked. I did get to speak to others who were from other trusts which was really nice. A Big Thank you again.” – Debbie Discala, 2WW Colorectal Faster Diagnosis Nurse (FDN).
“It was an honour to be chosen to represent the trust. Being one of the 1,500 NHS colleagues from around the country who attended the ceremony and seeing everyone in their finery or their smart uniforms was emotional. Once the service started, I felt a sense of pride being reminded of the outstanding achievements made by the NHS, things that we often take for granted, such as dialysis and IVF treatment. Hearing about the rescue mission of 21 paediatric cancer patients from Ukraine was truly moving. I left the service feeling privileged and inspired to be part of something that works for the greater good and while not perfect, is continually moving forward. Additionally, it was a real pleasure to spend the day with such lovely colleagues whom I’d never met before but whose company made the day perfect.” – Iwona Ward, Pharmacy Lead for Stroke.
