NHS 75: UHDB colleagues attend "special" ceremony at Westminster Abbey
On a momentous day commemorating the 75th birthday of the NHS, a special service was held at the historic Westminster Abbey in central London (5 July), with five colleagues from UHDB were in attendance at the ceremony.
George Farmer (Digital and Data Portfolio Manager), Aldarico Velasco (Digital Nurse Specialist), Alison Thorpe (Chaplain), Sharon Extance (Disability Advisor and Lead of our ThisAbility and Long Term Conditions Staff Network) and Dr Gauri Sankhe (SAS Advocate), who all attended the ceremony.
The event saw the celebration of the NHS's remarkable achievements, its unwavering dedication to delivering high-quality healthcare, and the outstanding commitment of its healthcare professionals.
Steeped in history, Westminster Abbey was the perfect venue for the occasion - with its grandeur echoing the magnitude of this landmark occasion. Gathered there alongside our #TeamUHDB colleagues were renowned figures - including Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh - as well as over 1,500 members of NHS staff from organisations across the country, volunteers, and members of the public who had been touched by the NHS's invaluable services throughout the years. Those in attendance recognised the tireless efforts and sacrifices made by healthcare professionals who have served selflessly on the frontlines, going above and beyond their duties to care for patients.
Speaking to us about the service, George Farmer said: "Westminster Abbey itself is an incredible venue and the whole day was just amazing. To be chosen alongside my four colleagues who make such a difference to our staff and patients was such an honour and is something I'll never forget.
"Lots of members of my family have had careers in the NHS over the years, including my grandmother who was involved in its very early years, so to share this with her and to be a part of the NHS now is really special for me.
"I feel really humbled to have been a part of the day, and I'm really excited and optimistic about the future of our Trust and the NHS. I think when we celebrate the NHS' 80th anniversary, we will have so much more to be proud of. UHDB will play a big part in that I'm sure, and the quality improvement work and innovation that I see taking place every day makes me really hopeful for the future."
As the NHS celebrates its 75th birthday, the special service at Westminster Abbey perfectly encapsulated the profound impact it has had on society - emphasising the extraordinary dedication and sacrifices of NHS professionals throughout the years, and the invaluable contribution of organizations like UHDB in upholding the NHS's principles.