Iconic buildings across the Lancashire and South Cumbria to light up blue to celebrate the NHS’ 70th birthday!
Date posted: 2nd July 2018
Iconic landmarks and buildings across Lancashire and South Cumbria will be lighting up in blue on the evening of 5 July to say ‘Happy Birthday’ to the NHS and to recognise its special place in our lives.
Landmarks confirmed to turn blue so far include:
Blackpool Tower, Chorley Clock Tower, County Hall - Lancashire County Council, Silverdale Library, Longridge Library, Bolton-le-Sands Library, Skelmersdale Library, Kendal Parish Church, Ribbleton Library, Bacup Library, Kirkham Library, Carnforth Library, Marine Hall Theatre Fleetwood.
For the full list please go to: https://www.nhs70.nhs.uk/buildings-to-turn-blue/
People are encouraged to take photos and share them via social media @HealthierLSC and @NHSEnglandNorth using the hashtags: #NHS70 and #LightUpBlue.
As well as lighting up landmarks, events are being organised for staff, members of the public and patients, hospital trusts and healthcare organisations to mark the seventieth birthday in style. You can find out more about NHS70 events by visiting the trust, CCG and local authority websites for your area.
NHS England’s Medical Director in Lancashire and South Cumbria, Cheshire and Merseyside Dr Kieran Murphy, said: “It is clear from the support we have had with regards to NHS 70 that everyone is really getting behind all the activities planned in Lancashire and South Cumbria, Cheshire, and Merseyside.
"The NHS is something to be proud of, for those who work within it and for those who benefit from the services provided and I am sure the celebrations taking place will be a reflection of this pride and the affection we all have for this great organisation.
“I hope everyone will join in the celebrations and take photographs of and selfies with the lit up buildings and share using #LightUpBlue. #NHS70”
County Councillor Shaun Turner, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "It's fitting that we're lighting up County Hall and Lancashire's libraries to mark this celebration as the first NHS hospital opened its doors in Lancashire on 5 July 1948.
"Park Hospital, now called Trafford General, was within Lancashire at the time and Lancashire County Council handed over a ceremonial key to the hospital to health minister Nye Bevan to symbolise the beginning of the NHS.
"The NHS plays a vital role now, just as it did 70 years ago and we'll continue to work closely together to keep our communities fit and well and to ensure that people with health issues get the early support and treatment they need."
Share your NHS story
You can also share your memories and stories of the NHS by visiting our dedicated NHS70 area