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Celebrating 60 Years of the NHS

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24th July 2008

To mark 60 years of the National Health Service, the Countess of Chester Hospital organised a celebratory Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration which was held at Chester Cathedral on Sunday 6th July.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Crewe and Nantwich, Councillor Brian Silvester and Ms Sheila Davies were honoured to be invited to the service which was attended by over 1000 guests. The event was a great success and included music from Chester Music Society, the Cheshire Police Band and Chester Primary Schools Choir. There were also biblical and secular readings which embraced different faiths. Attendees were also provided with a programme that included comparisons with Menus Past and Present and photos that reflected the developments of the NHS locally.

Foundation Trust Secretary Stephen Cross said: “We were delighted that such a variety of groups were represented at the service, both NHS and non NHS. The service was a fantastic opportunity to recognise the Health Service that we are so fortunate to have in this country. We were especially pleased to welcome back to Chester the Very Revd Stephen Smalley, the Dean of Chester from 1987-2001, who made a fantastic address. Stephen is well known and loved in Chester and many people were grateful to hear him again.”

The Mayor of Crewe and Nantwich Cllr Brian Silvester said “The NHS is of vital importance to everyone in our society. We were honoured to attend this magnificent service and to celebrate and recognise the work of the many dedicated staff and volunteers that have succeeded in creating an NHS that we can be proud of”

A collection was held on the day and the proceeds were split equally between the Cathedral and the Countess of Chester Hospital Charitable Funds. The charitable funds who benefited were the Kisiizi Fund and Relative Comfort.

 

 

NOTE  TO EDITORS

 

  1. Relative Comfort is the Trust’s main appeal which will be launched in the autumn. It aims to raise £500,000 to provide accommodation for relatives of patients on Critical Care. Anyone interested in helping with the campaign should contact Kate Taylor, Fundraising Manager, on 01244 366397.
  2. KisiiziHospital in Uganda.  The Trust has established an institutional link with Kisiizi which aims to offer a range of benefits to both this Trust and Kisiizi. It enables them to share skills, knowledge, information and experience with a view to improving the services available to the people of both communities. This is served through exchange visits that involve experiential learning and education and practical involvement in the delivery of health care services.

On 12th May 2008, a large container packed with linen items donated by Synergy Healthcare and the Countess of Chester Hospital started its long journey to Uganda.

 

COUNCIL CONTACT:                      Beverley Cope – Democratic Services

TELEPHONE:                                  01270 537037          

EMAIL:                                           Beverley.cope@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk 



For Media enquiries contact:         
Ian Richardson - 01270 537018 

EMAIL:                                          
ian.richardson@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk or http://www.crewe-nantwich.gov.uk/

 

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