This time next month, the NHS is turning 70 and Blackpool Victoria Hospital is hosting some celebrations so why not join in?
It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of one of the nation’s most loved institutions, to appreciate the vital role the service plays in our lives, and to recognise and thank the extraordinary NHS staff – the everyday heroes – who are there to guide, support and care for us, day in, day out.
There will be events every day between July 2-6 and everyone is welcome:
Monday July 2
- Exhibition of historic photos and equipment – BVH Mezzanine, 10am-3pm
- Blackpool Victoria Hospital History Tour – 10am
Tuesday July 3
- Exhibition of historic photos and equipment – BVH Mezzanine, 10am-3pm
- Opening of new history wall by Joe Longthorne MBE, main corridor opposite the post box, 2pm
- Blackpool Victoria Hospital History Tour – 2pm
Wednesday July 4
- Exhibition of historic photos and equipment – BVH Mezzanine, 10am-3pm
- Blackpool Victoria Hospital History Tour – 10am
- Wish the NHS a happy birthday in our special Vox Box, 12-2pm
Thursday July 5
- Fylde coast NHS AGM: Education Centre, 9.30-11.30am
- Exhibition of historic photos and equipment – Mezzanine, 10am-3pm
- Premiere of #NHS70 video with special guests, 11.45am – Mezzanine
- BBC Radio Lancashire
- Town Crier, 11.55am, giving a welcome address at the Restaurant staircase entrance. This will be followed by a Street Party with 1948 themed menu and entertainment from 1940s vocalist, Lilli De Carlo
- Cutting of birthday cake TBC.
- Hospital History Tour – 2pm.
Friday July 6
- Exhibition of historic photos and equipment – Mezzanine, 10am-3pm
- Hospital History Tour – 10am
- Unison display, Mezzanine 10am-3pm
- Staff Reunion, Education Centre, 10am-4pm to include special history tour of hospital and former and current accommodation, exhibition and group photo. (To register, please email communications@bfwhospitals.nhs.uk)
Special NHS70 badges will also be available to purchase in aid of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust charity, Blue Skies Hospitals Fund.
On July 5, 1948, the NHS was launched by the then Health Secretary, Aneurin Bevan, at Park Hospital in Manchester (known today as Trafford General Hospital).
For the first time, hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians and dentists were brought together under one umbrella to provide services for free at the point of delivery.
Over the last 70 years, the NHS has transformed the health and wellbeing of the nation and become the envy of the world.
The NHS has delivered huge medical advances and improvements to public health, meaning we can all expect to live longer lives.
It is thanks to the NHS that we have all but eradicated diseases such as polio and diphtheria, and pioneered new treatments like the world’s first liver, heart and lung transplant.
In more recent times, we have seen innovations like mechanical thrombectomy to improve stroke survival, bionic eyes to restore sight, and surgical breakthroughs such as hand transplants.
Please check the Trust social media pages for further updates as more events may be added: Facebook: @BlackpoolHospitals; Twitter: @BlackpoolHosp; Instagram: @BlackpoolTeachingHospitals.
