Thousands of staff celebrated at Hampshire Hospitals as charity throws tea parties for 75th birthday of NHS

Wednesday 5 July saw staff at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) in high spirits as charity celebrations commenced to mark 75 years of the National Health Service.

Hampshire Hospitals Charity teamed up with the Rapid Relief Team to host tea parties at hospitals in Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover- offering free hot and cold drinks, healthy snacks and sweet treats to staff.

Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals gathered to celebrate their colleagues and enjoy moments together as they marked the big day.

Celebrating at the parties were a number of the charity’s trustees including HHFT’s chief executive Alex Whitfield and chief nurse Julie Dawes, as well as some of the trust’s governors, who could all be seen welcoming staff members with a smile.

For many, celebrations will continue long after the tea parties as members of the wider community aim to complete a nationally led challenge of walking, swimming or cycling 1000 miles before the end of 2023 to celebrate the 75th birthday- including fundraising for Hampshire Hospitals Charity.

Each year, the hospital charity aims to raise over £1 million to continue supporting patients, staff and volunteers at HHFT – funds that will enable further hospital upgrades, staff welfare support, ward refurbishments and so much more.