Share your local memories of the NHS at 70

Burnley, Pendle and Ribble Valley folk are being asked to share their memories of the NHS to celebrate the service's 70th birthday.
Rossendale nurses, class of 1975Rossendale nurses, class of 1975
Rossendale nurses, class of 1975

One of the nation’s most loved institutions, the NHS will mark its 70th milestone on July 5th this year, and the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust is appealing to patients, staff and members of the public to help celebrate the special anniversary by sharing their stories, photos and memories.

The anniversary provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the NHS and appreciate the advances in science, technology and information. It is also a great reason to recognise and thank the extraordinary staff who, through their vital roles, have helped transform the health and wellbeing of East Lancashire and beyond.

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The stories will help form an exhibition showcasing the NHS in East Lancashire since 1948.

The Trust would like to hear from past and present staff members who were working in healthcare in 1948 at the very start of the NHS. Or those who have worked at the Trust (and its many guises) and would like to share their stories and memories. Are you part of a family who has worked for the Trust for generations?

Kevin McGee, chief executive at the Trust, said: “The 70th anniversary of the NHS is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the remarkable developments in healthcare and to celebrate the achievements of this world renowned institution.

“By getting involved in our exhibition, you will help us to tell the local story of the NHS. The memories and stories we receive from patients and staff will also go towards an ambitious Heritage Lottery funded project led by the University of Manchester called ‘NHS at 70: The Story of our Lives’, which will preserve NHS heritage.”

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The NHS was launched on July 5th 1948 by Aneurin Bevan, the then Minister for Health. The purpose was to provide medical care free at point-of-need to all, regardless of wealth, from the cradle to the grave.

For the first time it brought together hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians and dentists under one national organisation.

The NHS employs 1.7 million people across the UK and deals with more than million patients every 36 hours. It is the country’s biggest employer and ranks at number five globally.

You can share your stories and photos by emailing [email protected] Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to view the memorabilia already received.