On Wednesday 5 July, the NHS is celebrating its 75th birthday we want to reach out to the people and communities of Somerset to ask them what the NHS means to them.
While the NHS has changed a lot since it was first formed in 1948 the founding principles of the NHS remain as relevant and valued today as they did then. As we commemorate this significant anniversary, we are celebrating the positive impact the NHS in Somerset has had on all our lives and celebrating, not only the 17,000 people who currently work in health across the county but all of those who have helped to make the NHS what it is today.
We are encouraging people to share their stories and memories on the NHS online. We also want to make sure that we connect directly with people and communities across Somerset to hear their stories.
The Engagement team are going out and about across the county over the next few weeks to connect with local communities and to listen to their reflections in person.
They will be at the following locations:
- Friday 2 June, Asda, Taunton from 1pm-3pm
- Sunday 4 June, Frome independent market from 10am – 3pm
- Wednesday 7 June, Glastonbury, Morrisons from 11am – 1pm
- Sunday 11 June, Taunton Independent Market from 10am-12pm
- Saturday 24 June, Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford from 10.30am – 12.30pm
- Sunday 25 June, Bridgwater Independent Market from 10am – 12pm
Shelagh Meldrum, Chief Nursing Officer, NHS Somerset said, “I have loved nursing since the first day of my training and I am incredibly proud to have spent 22 years working for the NHS. This great British Institution is by our side during the most profound moments in our lives and at its heart, is driven by one collective ambition to care for patients.”
“We are keen to hear from people who have worked or are working in the NHS, hear their stories and find out what makes them do what they do, as well as hearing from local communities and volunteers about what the NHS means to them.”
“Our Engagement team are passionate about connecting with local people and hearing their reflections first hand, so whether you used to work for the NHS, would like to share a story about the care you received or simply want to share some reflections on your hopes for the future – every story matters and we want to hear from you.”
This year we have the chance to take some time to reflect on all the NHS has achieved and we need your help to create our Somerset story.
