An historic scene in British history marking the beginning of the NHS will soon come to life again when it is recreated at Trafford Hospital.
Staff of past, present and students representing the future of the NHS will assemble outside of the hospital to recreate the now iconic photograph marking the birth of the NHS just over 68 years ago, almost to the day. The event is part of an annual ‘Wellness Day’ held to celebrate the contribution Trafford Hopsitals workforce makes every day.
Trafford Hospital is widely considered the ‘birthplace of the NHS’ as Aneurin Bevan, Health Minister, chose the hospital to stage the symbolic event of ‘receiving the keys’ from Lancashire County Council on 5th July 1948, marking the start of the National Health Service. Sylvia Diggory became the first NHS patient to be treated at the hospital, aged 13.
Retired staff are invited to get involved in the event, taking place from 12.30-1.30pm on 20th July.
Head of Nursing Jane Grimshaw said: “We’re aiming to bring together staff from all disciplines to celebrate how working together has made Trafford the success it is today. We would love to involve our now-retired colleagues to mark Trafford’s journey since its inauguration as the birthplace of the NHS in 1948, as well as include our students who will be the future of the NHS. It’s exciting to recreate such a pivotal moment in history, on a day when we celebrate our staff. We’d love for everyone to get involved.”
If you used to work at Trafford Hospital and would like to get involved in the recreation, please contact Joanne Berry on 0161 746 2914 or by e-mailing joanne.berry@cmft.nhs.uk.
