TO mark the 70th birthday of the NHS, a hospitals trust organised a tea party for members of staff who are the same age or older than the NHS.

An event took place in the Ark Conference Centre, Basingstoke hospital, with a group of older members of staff from across the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust honoured for their service to the NHS over the years.

Linda Jeffery, 70, has worked in medical records at Andover War Memorial Hospital for 18 years. She said: “There have been many changes but something that hasn’t changed is the friendly environment and the way we all support each other. That is what has made me want to stay here for so long.

“I am very happy to be here today celebrating with other colleagues and look forward to more years to come.”

Elizabeth Padmore, chairman of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, in Winchester, and Andover War Memorial Hospital, celebrated with staff at the event.

She said: “It was lovely spending time with some of our older members of staff, a number of whom have worked here over 40 years. It was fascinating to hear their stories of what has changed and what hasn’t.

“It is our people who make us such a wonderful organisation and everyone plays a vital role, whether that’s repairing medical equipment, working on the wards, helping bereaved families or portering. It was an honour for me to meet this group of staff and celebrate all that they do.”