Teams across our Trust, as well as local schools and businesses, got into the spirit of the NHS’ big birthday when it turned 73 on Monday 5 July by holding their own NHS Big Tea events.

A full table of treats greeted our Emergency Department team at King George Hospital on Tuesday (6 July). Organised by practice development nurse Marie Hillyard, staff brought in sweet and savoury snacks, which was boosted by Haribo sweets and crisps donated by local company Fairfields Farm.

Marie said: “We really enjoyed raising money for our Trust charity with our NHS Big Tea event. Staff cooked sweet and savoury dishes and we were grateful to our charity which donated some extra goodies to us.”

Pictured above are nurses at our KGH ED with their spread, l-r are Francesca Murray, Ruby Hussain, Jasmine Justin, and Marie Hillyard.

On Monday 5 July staff in our Medical Workforce hub (above) enjoyed cupcakes, brownies and carrot cake, courtesy of director of the hub, Gemma Shipley’s mum.

Gemma said: “My mum spent the morning before baking for us and I brought them in for everyone to enjoy.

“Mum just wanted to treat the team as she is all too aware of what we have all been through these past months – it was her little way of saying thank you to us all.”

Our team on Mandarin B ward at Queen’s Hospital also got into the spirit by enjoying a cuppa. Nishil Gupta, senior house officer in our care of the elderly team, said: “We had a great turn-out and it was nice to see the team be able to get together – everybody had something to say to each other.

“I’m really glad we did it and that it helped raise funds for our charity.”

New Rush Hall, a special education school in Ilford, raised over £120 with a staff tea party and selling cakes. Administrator Margaret Chung said: “We were absolutely delighted! I’d told myself I’d be more than happy with £50 as we are such a small school, so we are very proud.”

Rainham Village Primary School also hosted an event, while Little Bear’s Nursey in Redbridge raised £150 by holding a fancy dress tea party. Romford-based pharmaceutical company Ethypharm treated their employees to a Costa voucher, requesting a donation to our charity in return.

With donations still coming in the final amount raised is to be confirm, however, every penny will be spent on making our hospitals better for our patients and staff.