NHS70: Weston-super-Mare celebrates and recognises the hard work and dedication of staff at Weston General Hospital

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This is the year in which the NHS turns 70 and celebrations have been taking place across the country. Staff throughout the NHS are committed to caring for patients during their time of need and this year is an opportunity to say thank you for everything they do.

Ian Porter, Weston College Associate Business Development Officer, said: “We are so proud of the staff who work in the NHS. The amount of effort and time they put in is amazing. Really, for this country the NHS is almost a religion. People are totally committed to the NHS.

I think it is important that on its 70th birthday we remind ourselves of what it is, but also what it was like before we had it. This is our opportunity as a town to recognise a lot of long-serving and hardworking members of staff – the thank-you that we are offering is to everybody.

“Working with the chief executive at Weston Area Health NHS Trust, I would like to offer a donation of £2,000 on behalf of Worle Village Club trustees towards a ‘70th celebration party’ for the staff, volunteers and friends.

£2000 donation for NHS 70 Celebration of SuccessWAHT chief executive James Rimmer, Weston College's business development officer Ian Porter, WAHT chairman Grahame Paine

“I would ask any local businesses or individuals who wish to support this very special event to join in and contribute in some way. This might be sponsoring an award or contributing to the overall costs of the event.

“Hopefully the staff will enjoy the event and take away the sense of the whole town being supportive and committed to the NHS.”

The event, known as the NHS 70 Celebration of Success, takes place at the Winter Gardens on 16 November 2018 and will celebrate the achievements of staff and volunteers as well as recognising long-serving members of staff.

Jodie Alden, staff member at Weston Area Health NHS Trust (WAHT) and part of the committee organising the Celebration of Success, said: “The support that we have received means so much and has enabled us to make sure the evening will be one to remember. The Winter Gardens is a very special location in the heart of Weston and everyone is very excited about this special event.”

The NHS 70 Celebration of Success is an opportunity to look back at how the NHS has changed, especially within North Somerset, while also reminding staff of the vital role they play within the local community. At the NHS Big7Tea tea party held at the hospital in July, staff and members of the public were asked to leave a message of what they value most about the NHS – one staff member wrote “working as part of the wonderful family team who care for my friends and family”, which really does describe what it is like to work here at Weston General Hospital.

WAHT Chief Executive, James Rimmer, said: “It is important to thank staff for the impact they have within the community, the excellent care they deliver every day is without doubt something to be celebrated. The support from Weston College and Worle Village Club means we can ensure that during the 70th year of the NHS we take the opportunity to show staff just how much they are appreciated.”   

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College said “I am proud to be associated with WAHT and this event- partnership is crucial.”

Any proceeds from further donations over and above the total cost of the event will go to the Weston General Hospital Scanner Appeal.

If you would like to support the event, please get in touch with WAHT HR Director and chair of the NHS 70 Celebration of Success committee, Alex Nestor on 01934 647 092.  

 

ENDS

 

Photograph L-R: WAHT chief executive James Rimmer, Weston College Associate Business Development Officer Ian Porter, WAHT chairman Grahame Paine.

 

Notes to editors

 

  1. Weston Area Health NHS Trust (WAHT) serves a resident population of around 212,000 people in North Somerset with over 70% of people living in the four main towns of Weston, Clevedon, Portishead and Nailsea. A further 3.3 million day trippers and 375,000 staying visitors increase this base population each year.
  2. WAHT provides clinical services from three sites. The General Hospital is located in the main town of Weston-super-Mare and there are two children’s centres providing community children’s services located in Weston and Clevedon.
  3. More information about Weston Area Health NHS Trust can be found at www.waht.nhs.uk.
  4. More information about NHS 70 can be found at https://www.nhs70.nhs.uk/.
  5. Further information about the Scanner Appeal is available at www.waht.nhs.uk/scannerappeal.
  6. For more information about Weston College, please visit https://www.weston.ac.uk/.