Smiles, songs, stories, super cakes and Spiderman all came together to make an unforgettable 75th birthday celebration for the NHS in Walsall.
BBC Radio WM presenter Kathryn Stanczyszyn broadcast her show live from the Manor Hospital between 10am and 2pm today and featured a host of interviews with staff including Priya Heer, Junior Doctor, David Powell, Clinical and Quality Lead for Community Nursing in the Community Division, Angelina Fernando from Black Country Pathology Services and Dan O’Carroll, Emergency Department Consultant and adviser to BBC TV’s Casualty show.
The big day started with a dose of sunshine in the form of Ruby Doo children’s entertainment company as superheroes and Spiderman visited the Children’s Ward, Children’s Outpatients and Ward 2 to spread some cheer with their singing and dancing.
Ward 2 patient Irene Roberts said: “It’s brightened my day”.
And young patient Jensen, recovering after having his appendix out, was given superpowers – so much so that he said his new name is “Super Jensen.”
Emma Lester, Play Specialist said Ruby Doo had helped make today special.
“The entertainers make such a positive impact on the ward. They have made us all smile today and we’re so glad they came to visit.”
The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Chris Towe, earned a new name of “The Singing Mayor” and entertained as part of his Sounds Familiar Duo before cutting a special NHS 75 birthday cake.
And a distant relative of Sister Dora, Walsall’s answer to Florence Nightingale, visited patients and put on a talk to explain more about the heroine’s early life.
Suzanne Stirke, whose husband Peter’s great, great, great uncle was married to one of Sister Dora’s sisters, Rachel, found a captive audience across the hospital.
“I’ve really enjoyed talking to patients and staff today and sharing some of the history of Sister Dora’s life before she came to Walsall and followed her true vocation,” said Suzanne, who travelled from Yorkshire to support today’s celebration.
Walsall’s #NHS75 events were organised by the Fundraising team behind Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity.
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, said: “It has been a wonderful day and we’d like to thank everyone who supported the celebration and made it an even more special birthday for our NHS.”