Region marks 75 years of NHS with stunning light display at iconic landmarks
Seventy-five years of the NHS will be celebrated in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire with a stunning light display at a trio of iconic local landmarks.
The famous Roman Baths in Bath, Swindon’s Central Library and Salisbury Cathedral will all be illuminated in a dazzling shade of NHS blue on Wednesday 5 July to commemorate the health service’s 75th anniversary.
Residents across the region are invited to visit the locations on the anniversary day to enjoy the displays and to look back on their own experiences of the NHS.
Sue Harriman, Chief Executive, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “People have always been at the heart of the NHS and I know so many people have the NHS in their hearts, which is why I hope residents in our region will join me in sharing an enormous sense of pride when these iconic local landmarks go blue on Wednesday 5 July.
“For 75 years, the NHS has been a constant aspect of our everyday lives, and something we have all relied upon at one time or another.
“I’m sure that people in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire going about their everyday lives will see these anniversary light displays and be warmly reminded of their own experience of the NHS, and how it has cared for them and their families over the years.”
The NHS became the world’s first health service that was available for free at the point of need when it was established on Monday 5 July 1948.
Since then, the health service has grown exponentially and, as of 2023, cares for around one million people each and every day.
Cllr Jim Robbins, Leader, Swindon Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted that we will be supporting this cherished service on its 75th anniversary by lighting up the Central Library blue, and I would encourage everyone to get involved in NHS75 by volunteering, supporting NHS charities or by giving blood.”
Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader, Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “This is a small gesture of appreciation for the tireless work that the NHS staff do every day to care for people. The health service has a huge impact on our community, and we hope that these illuminations will serve as a reminder of the incredible efforts of NHS staff over the years.”
Next month also sees another anniversary, as the region’s integrated care board, along with several others from across the country that came into being on the same day, celebrates its first birthday.
Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board came into being at one minute past midnight on Friday 1 July 2022, following a transition from the region’s former clinical commissioning group.
With a responsibility for providing more than £1.5 billion of health services to local people, the role of the ICB has been to improve integration between the many different organisations providing care across one specific geographical area.
More information on the role of the integrated care board, as well as details of other local health and care organisations, can be found online at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk.