When it was founded in 1948, the NHS was the first universal health system to be available to all and free at the point of delivery. The NHS now treats more than a million people a day in England.

Providers and partners nationally will be celebrating in July by showcasing the best of the NHS and encouraging as many people as possible to join in with NHS at 75 activities. We’re celebrating this occasion across the Trust in a number of ways, including providing our colleagues with a range of activities to support their health and wellbeing; taking the time to say thank you to each other; taking part in local NHS park runs and we will be visited by the Lord Mayor of Exeter and Deputy Lord Mayor of Barnstaple who will each plant a tree to mark the 75 anniversary of the NHS.

Our Chair, Dame Shan Morgan has shared the following message on the NHS 75 anniversary:

“On the NHS’ 75th birthday, I wanted to take a moment to reflect.

“The NHS is a marvellous institution, known across the world for the way we give care. But it couldn’t exist without all of you.

“You might work for the NHS or know somebody who does. You might have been a patient, or visited somebody in hospital. You might volunteer for us or to help people access our services. You might be a Governor, part of a League of Friends, support or work with a charity, or be a fundraiser. You might work with one of our partners or in our communities, or you might simply support the NHS and everything we are here to do.

“You are all part of making the NHS what it is, so on this momentous day I want to say thank you, and I hope you join us in celebrating the NHS at 75.

“75 years have seen us achieve so much and there is much more to do – here’s to the next 75 and beyond.”

Ways you can get involved

Get involved on social media - we will be sharing team photos from our colleagues across social media, and we’re asking colleagues and patients to share thank yous and stories. You can help us make sure this goes far and wide by liking, sharing and commenting on our posts.

Parkrun for the NHS - people all over the country are invited to ‘parkrun for the NHS’ at parkrun events on Saturday 8 July and junior parkrun events on Sunday 9 July. Fancy dress or wearing NHS blue encouraged. To find out more and register to run or as a volunteer click here.

Thank you to all our colleagues, patients, carers and our communities for the part you all play in helping us deliver safe and compassionate care to our patients every day – and thank you for helping us celebrate the NHS at 75!