The Prince and Princess of Wales surprise health workers with 75th anniversary party
One of our Consultant Surgeons attended an event to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS, which was attended by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales.
Hosted by NHS Charities Together – the national charity caring for the NHS, of which Their Royal Highnesses are Patrons – and television presenter Mel Giedroyc, the event was attended by members of the workforce and patients representing myriad achievements of the NHS and NHS charities over the last 75 years. It was held in the wellbeing garden of St Thomas’ Hospital in London.
The Prince and Princess met with guests ranging from Aneira Thomas, the first baby born on the NHS, to pioneers in research and those on the frontline tackling Covid-19. Their Royal Highnesses discussed current challenges and thanked staff for the work they continue to do.
Mr Irshad Shaikh, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, who has been leading robotic-assisted colorectal surgery at our Trust, was also in attendance.
He said: “It was a great privilege to represent NNUH and the N&N Hospitals Charity who generously funded the two surgical robots we have at our Trust. It was a real surprise as well to see the Prince and Princess of Wales. I am grateful to the N&N Hospitals Charity for funding our advanced technology to perform complex procedures.”
Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to our Royal Patrons, and everyone who’s helped celebrate the 75th anniversary of our beloved NHS this year. As the national charity caring for the NHS, NHS Charities Together is here for anyone who wants to give something back to its people, who all give so much to us, and that extra support has never been so important. It includes providing staff psychologists, counselling, peer support training and so much more.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales became Royal Patrons for NHS Charities Together in December 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, their support for the charity has helped to shine a light on the incredible and ongoing contribution of the NHS workforce and the role of NHS charities in helping the NHS go further for everyone.
The N&N Hospitals Charity is a member of NHS Charities Together and helps to enhance the care and treatment of patients at NNUH, Cromer and District Hospital and the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital. The charity funds the staff welfare fund as well as enhancing patient care by funding innovative new equipment, enhancing the environment and helping to fund state-of-the-art buildings such as the new cancer unit at Cromer Hospital, as well as funding for research and investment in staff training.