The NHS will turn 70 on Thursday 5 July. To mark such a momentous occasion, NHS organisations in Doncaster will be hosting a very special birthday bash for the important public service a few days later.
Partnering with Flourish Enterprises, the celebration will take place on Sunday 8 July from 11am to 4pm at the social enterprise’s Summer Fayre, hosted at Woodfield Park. With bouncy castles, face painting and all manner of activities for the entire family, there is also an exciting opportunity to find out more about the local Health Service, its recent achievements, as well as its illustrious history.
Speaking on behalf of the NHS in Doncaster, Dr David Crichton, local GP, said: “The NHS 70 Marquee provides a celebration of the NHS over the last 70 years and gives us an opportunity to bring together, under one roof, our stakeholders and partners across health and care in Doncaster.
“We will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about how to train for a job in the NHS, what the different career opportunities are and what’s available in Doncaster.”
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) will be coming together, alongside various public sector and other local partners, to host two marquees at the event. Officially to be opened by Alan Fiddler, who shares the same birthday as the service, the birthday party will feature pictures and memorabilia from the past 70 years (and beyond), while there will also be information stalls and interactive demonstrations from nurses and other health professionals.
Getting into the spirit of the World Cup, the Fayre will also host a very special NHS football tournament, organised by Club Doncaster, providing a spectacular example of the beautiful game just in time for Russia 2018.
For those looking to a career within the health service, or a change of pace in their current job, there will also be plenty of experts on-hand to discuss opportunities and apprenticeships within Doncaster’s local hospitals.
Marking a double-celebration, Doncaster Royal Infirmary is also turning 150 years old. Marking the occasion will be launch of a charitable book, which is a pictorial history of the hospital, with photographs featuring from the past three centuries.
Alongside the NHS celebrations, the Summer Fayre will also include creative face painting, exhilarating rides, a swashbuckling treasure trail and relaxing yoga as well as food and refreshments.
Wendy Parkes, from Flourish Enterprises, said: “Our usual summer fair is bigger and better than ever before. Doncaster residents can come along and besides the usual summer time fun can join in the NHS 70 celebrations as well. It will be a bumper fun day for all the family.”
The event is suitable for all-ages, free entry and takes place between the hours of 11am and 4pm at Woodfield Park, Tickhill Road, Balby, DN4 8QP, Doncaster.