NHS at 70: How people across the UK are making the health service's big anniversary

NHS England chief executive pays tribute to 'brilliant' staff

(NHS/Getty)

Amid a splurge of publicity, the new National Health Service (NHS) was launched on 5 July 1948.

"Choose your doctor now!" Britons were told. It was a slogan that caught the imagination. In the days preceding the launch, Birmingham health service staff ended up working overtime to process 220,000 applications.

After 70 years that public affection has not diminished. Thousands of commemorative tea parties were held to raise money for NHS charities in its commemorative year.

Tea has long been associated with the NHS. Inpatients entering newly-established NHS hospitals back in 1948 would have had it served in fine cups, accompanied by saucers and side spoons.

It was deemed such an important aspect of patient satisfaction that one hospital is rumoured to have even hired an official tea taster.

Ian Lush, CEO of NHS charity, Imperial Health said: “Tea is so synonymous with the NHS we couldn’t think of a better way for the nation to toast our wonderful health service and its staff, whilst raising funds for NHS charities.

“Whether it’s traditional builders or a fruity rooibos, we want everyone to dust off the old china, rally friends, family, and work colleagues and come together to raise a cuppa and mark this special occasion – 70 deserves celebrating. We’re thrilled to bring our great national past-time and great National Health Service together to raise vital funds to maintain the work of NHS charities around the UK.”

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Resus services 'tea party' celebrating 70 years of the NHS recognising the dedication and commitment of all it staff #NHS70 @IoWNHSTrust

More formal commemorations also took place at Westminster Abbey and York Minster.

In Scotland, health officials joined celebrations at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

The Prince of Wales also attended a commemoration service at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff.

He was joined by Aneira Thomas, the first NHS-born baby, and Dennis Moss, a retired paramedic who helped after the Aberfan Disaster.

With more than 1.5 million staff, the NHS is one of the world’s largest employers.

Although questions about structure and funding loom large as the institution enters its eighth decade, the anniversary has been seen as a chance to celebrate the NHS's achievements - including dealing with more than 1 million patients every 36 hours and sharing out more than £100 billion each year.

Simon Stevens, the NHS England chief executive, said: “The reason why the health service does so well is frankly due to the brilliance of the staff. And it’s frankly because of the staff that the nation has just recommitted to the idea of a health service [that is] there when you need us, based on how sick you are, not whether you can afford us – a principle that has stood the test of time.”

Additional reporting by Press Association