NHS’s 75th birthday to be marked in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

The NHS celebrates its 75th birthday on Wednesday 5 July, with people and organisations across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes set to join in the festivities.

Public buildings across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will be lit up in blue, as part of the birthday celebrations.  Luton Town Hall, the civic offices at Milton Keynes City Council and river bridges in Bedford are among the landmarks set to shine bright in blue on Wednesday.

Dr Rima Makarem, Chair of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“As we celebrate the 75th birthday of the National Health Service, I’ve been delighted at the response from residents and staff.  I know the NHS occupies a beloved place in the hearts of the people of this country, and I am grateful to all those who have passed on their good wishes to the service and the individual staff and volunteers who make a difference every day.”

Felicity Cox, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“The NHS has changed lives through its model of healthcare which is free at the point of use in most cases, and has saved many lives.  The NHS’s founding principles remain as relevant today as they were in 1948, and it has employed millions of people since its formation.

“NHS staff and volunteers are here for you, 365 days a year, and we are deeply thankful for the public support we receive every day, and particularly through the difficult times we have all shared in the last few years.”

Among other festivities, staff at the Integrated Care Board and partner organisations across BLMK will be invited to share tea and cake with colleagues at celebration events being held across BLMK this week.

On their appointment to the board of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) at its formation one year ago, Board members each committed to a pledge, which they are revisiting over the NHS’s birthday week, with the results shared on the ICB’s social media.  The ICB’s Twitter and Facebook accounts will be running updates from different leaders through the week, showing the work the organisation has undertaken in the last 12 months.

And all are welcome at the Great Bedfordshire NHS Show on Wednesday 5 July.  It will be hosted by Bedfordshire Community Health Services (BCHS), part of East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), at the Forest Centre in Station Road, Marston Moretaine.  The event runs from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, with an opportunity for people to drop in for a cup of tea, a slice of birthday cake and a chat about health services.