Staff members at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT) have spoken of their pride about representing the Trust at the commemoration service for the 75th anniversary of the NHS at Westminster Abbey.
Tina Hatton, who is a clinical nurse specialist with Deaf CAMHS, and Emma Louis, spiritual care lead, attended the event on Wednesday 5 July to mark 75 years since the launch of the NHS.
The event saw May Parsons, the nurse who administered the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine, carry the George Cross into the Abbey in a procession. The award was presented to the NHS by the late Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of its service to the country since it formed in 1948 and the efforts of staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The commemoration also included testimonies from volunteer NHS staff who described how they brought Ukrainian children to the UK to receive cancer care.
Tina and Emma joined around 1,500 NHS staff at the service who represented all areas of the NHS and the UK.
Tina Hatton, clinical nurse specialist with Deaf CAMHS at BCHFT, said: “It was an honour to represent the Trust at Westminster Abbey, Emma and I brought the warmth and glee with us! I was moved to be amongst such a diverse group of NHS people from right across the UK, all our work was raised up, in the church where history happens.
“I was one of three to use the BSL interpretation, Lucy not only managed the spoken words but performed the hymns too. The deaf visibility felt like my own Rose Ayling-Ellis “Strictly” moment!
“With over 30 years of NHS nursing, it was a moment to be thankful.”
Emma Louis, spiritual care lead at BCHFT, said: “What a joy and privilege to be in Westminster Abbey for the service to mark the 75th birthday of the NHS.
“Tina Hatton and myself were delighted to be representing the Trust at such a significant occasion. It was both fantastic and moving to see NHS staff from across all roles and organisations.
“Inspirational stories and reflections were shared and it felt like a real celebration of this institution that I am very proud to work for.
“Chaplains were there at the beginning of the NHS in 1948 and the Spiritual Care Team at BCHFT is very glad to be continuing that work.”