[N]HS organisations in Cumbria have kicked off their celebrations for the 70th birthday of the NHS with the help of Chris Pointon, co-founder of the national #hellomynameis campaign.
The NHS is turning 70 on 5 July and nationally, plans are being put in place to celebrate the achievements of one of the nation’s most loved institutions, to look at the wide array of opportunities being created by advances in science, technology and information, and to thank the extraordinary NHS staff – the everyday heroes – who are always there to greet, advise and care for us.
Locally, North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group and Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are sharing their early plans for the celebration and asking the community to get involved and help us celebrate.
Plans so far include:
Cumbrian people aged 1-70
We will release 70 photographs of Cumbrian people between the ages of 1 and 70 whose lives were touched by the NHS.
History of the NHS in Cumbria
Cumbria County Council’s archive centre are planning a series of exhibitions of the NHS locally over the last 70 years
Showcasing our local NHS services
With the support of the Cumbria and North Lancs Health branch of Unison and Carlisle City Council, the NHS will be showcasing its work in Carlisle City Centre over the summer
Celebratory tea parties
We will plan a network of tea parties for staff who have previously won staff recognition awards.
NHS Park Run
Members of the Carlisle Park Run are planning to hold a dedicated NHS 70 Park Run that is getting some interest nationally
Chris Pointon joined members of the Carlisle Park Run and NHS staff in Penrith and Whitehaven yesterday to launch the celebrations and said, “I’m delighted to kick off the celebrations here in Cumbria with a parkrun. There’s always a lot said in politics and the media about the NHS but it’s important to pause and remember how far the NHS has come, the positive impact it has had on our lives and the remarkable work of staff. We all have a part to play in looking after our own health by being more active and the parkrun seems like a perfect gift to the NHS in its 70th year.”
How you can get involved
Are you between the ages of 1-70 and have a great story to tell about how your life has been touched by the NHS? You could be a staff member, volunteer, or member of the public who has received services or family/friends have received services.
If you are over the age of 70, get in touch and tell us your early memories of the NHS. We would love to hear from you.
If you are a local business or community group and want show your support, let us know what you are planning to do. It could be a flower or shop window display, holding your own tea party or something much more creative.
To get in touch please e-mail [email protected] or call 01228 603890
