CELEBRATIONS are taking place across Mid Cheshire today to commemorate the 75-year anniversary of the NHS.

Staff, patients, and visitors will be taking part in events to mark the occasion of this massive milestone.

The NHS, which was created in 1948, was the first universal health system to be available to all, free at the point of delivery, and now, 75 years on, treats more than a million people a day in England alone.

The milestone has brought out support from the local community, with many speaking of their love of the NHS.

Emma Robertson, charity manager for the Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, said: "I’ve worked for the NHS for 21 years now, so [the 75-year anniversary] is really special to me.

"The NHS does amazing things, it’s great to celebrate it because we are very lucky, to celebrate how incredible it is.

"Working for the charity, I get to see all the people who want to say thank you and that is thanks to the amazing things they do every day.

"The NHS is something to be cherished and something to be celebrated."

Cheshire West and Chester and Winsford town councillor Nathan Pardoe said: "It’s the best of British values. It’s something we’re all proud of and something we all have this emotional connection to because we’ve all got a story.

"Whether is ourselves, our families or our friends, we’ve all been cared for and put back together at times by the NHS.

"The staff work incredibly hard, but there are challenges there, with issues in primary care and secondary care.

"As an achievement and what it means to have healthcare free at the point of use. We don’t have to worry in this country about bankruptcy due to medical debt, whereas in other countries that’s a fact of life.

"I’d like to thank the staff who make it possible – doctors, nurses, support staff, everyone -  and the message to them would be to keep up the good work.

“We should celebrate the NHS on the anniversary because if we don’t, would it be there in five years’ time?

"It needs investment but the job for today is very much to thank and celebrate everyone in the NHS who does a good job in difficult circumstances."

MP for Weaver Vale, Mike Amesbury, said: “The NHS is one of the Labour Party's greatest ever achievements, founded on the principle of access to healthcare based on need, not ability to pay. 

"That principle must remain centre-stage for current and future generations.

"Unfortunately, waiting lists are now at 7.4 million, people are struggling to get a GP appointment and timely treatment. We have an NHS dentist desert in our constituency.

"The NHS is dear to people’s hearts. But it’s clear we need serious intervention. Labour founded it and in future we will save it, to ensure it thrives for the benefit of all. That would be the best way to celebrate 75 years since its birth."

Edward Timpson, MP for Eddisbury, praised the NHS on its 75th anniversary, saying: "Rich or poor, young or old, at work or not: the NHS is there for you, whenever and wherever you need it.

"I believe in the NHS because Leighton Hospital brought all four of my children into the world; The Christie cared greatly for my mum as she departed it, and Tarporley War Memorial Hospital continues to adapt and look after us all in that intervening period we call life - having looked closure in the eye, and with our community's support, firmly refused.

"Today marks the 75th anniversary of the NHS. We should celebrate its achievements, its founding principles and its people. From doctors and dentists, to pharmacists and physios - NHS staff devote their lives to caring for others.

"Apparently, in 1948, the NHS had fewer than 150,000 staff and a budget of about £11 billion. Today, the NHS employs near 1.4 million people, on a budget of more than £160 billion.

"But the NHS is a service, not a religion. We must continue to reform and renew it so it is still there for us in another 75 years' time."

Tatton MP Esther McVey, added: "I want to thank all of our dedicated NHS staff who work tirelessly to care for their patients. The compassion they show to people in what is often the most stressful time of their lives is remarkable.

“As a nation we need to acknowledge we are living longer and often with more complex needs so it is right that we look at how we train our doctors and nurses and plan for the increased number of staff we will need - that is why I fully support the long term plan, announced by the Prime Minister last week, which will be the biggest ever expansion in doctors and nurses being trained.

“We must reduce with speed the hospital waiting lists created by Covid lockdowns, a point I have made repeatedly to ministers.

“I want my constituents to access the healthcare they need in a timely manner, and we cannot allow lockdown and the pandemic to create other health crises.

“I am proud a Conservative government has increased investment in the NHS every year since 2010 and that there are now 37,800 more doctors and 53,700 more nurses than in 2010.”

The Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust will be hosting tea parties across the region in an event called ‘NHS Big Tea’, with all money made going towards the Victoria Infirmary Northwich appeal.

As part of this event, there is also a dedications site to leave a comment saying how much the NHS means to you.

This will see 40 tea parties held by hospitals, infirmaries, and businesses across the region, with all the money raised dedicated towards the £100,000 fundraising goal.