Dorset HealthCare celebrates NHS75
Staff, patients and volunteers across the county will be celebrating when Dorset HealthCare marks the 75th birthday of the NHS on Wednesday (5 July).
Hospitals and clinics will be hosting tea parties on the day as part of the national NHS ‘Big
Tea’ programme, treating people to a cuppa and a slice of cake to mark the special anniversary.
There will also be raffles, tombolas and other activities to raise money to benefit patients and staff, as well as the Trust’s chosen charity, children’s hospice Julia’s House.
The fundraising theme will continue on Saturday, 8 July, when more than 70 Trust staff are set to take part in local NHS75 Parkrun events in Blandford, Bournemouth, Bridport, Dorchester, Poole and Weymouth.
As well as promoting health and fitness through running and walking the courses, many colleagues will be raising money for the Trust’s staff support fund, which helps people during times of unexpected financial hardship.
A similar initiative for the NHS’s 70th birthday in 2018 saw more than 146,000 people take part nationally, many of whom had never been to a parkrun before.
And on Wednesday (5 July) a handful of staff from across different services will represent Dorset HealthCare at a special service for NHS workers, volunteers and partners at Westminster Abbey.
Matthew Bryant, joint Chief Executive of Dorset HealthCare and Dorset County Hospital said:
“It’s important that we recognise and celebrate how far the NHS has come in its 75 years and how it’s working to evolve and develop for the future.
“The 75th anniversary on Wednesday is a chance to do this and I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank all of our staff for their continuing hard work and commitment.
“The NHS is all about its people and we have a great deal to be proud of in our two Trusts.”