WITHYBUSH Hospital celebrated 70 years of the NHS today (Thursday, July 5) with tea, cakes and choirs.

To celebrate the NHS's 70 years in operation, Withybush Hospital put on a party, with staff members past and present turning up to celebrate the day.

Hospital Manager, John Evans, said: "I think today is really important because it's not just about what the NHS does, but what our staff do, day in and day out.

"It is a celebration of what we are doing today, we have staff that provides a great service."

Mr Evans went on to thank everyone for coming, saying that hospitals were just brick and mortar, it is the staff that make them special.

Western Telegraph:

Bernadine Rees, Chair of the Health Board, echoed Mr Evans comments, she said: "The values of the NHS in 1948 are exactly the same as the values today.

"Our staff are amazing and the developments within the NHS clinically are beyond belief."

Harpist, Claire Jones, who was once official harpist to the Prince of Wales performed at the event, to celebrate the hospital where she was born.

Choirs of children from two local schools sang songs, performing hits from the Greatest Showman and Mary Poppins.

Western Telegraph:

Dennise Martin, a healthcare support worker who has been working for the NHS for 22 years said that the NHS means that we have avoided a system like America.

She said: "I love my job, everyone just works so well together.

"If it wasn't for the NHS we wouldn't have all this health care, it would be like America."

Western Telegraph:

Jill Phillips, 55, who retired from working at Withybush six months ago said that she felt Withybush was special.

She said: "Where would we be without the NHS? Withybush is very special and you can tell that from today.

"I've worked with the NHS since I was 18, there's been a lot of changes in some ways but what has remained good about this hospital is the staff, it is a fantastic hospital."

Marc Tierney Labour candidate for south Pembrokeshire said it was great to be there to celebrate the NHS and Withybush, but he hoped more people would fill in the consultation documents about the hospitals future.

Letterston County councillor, Michelle Bateman, said: "This anniversary has made people reflect about their personal experiences with the NHS and the media coverage has really shown how much we care as a nation."

To celebrate the NHS' 70th birthday, the Welsh Labour Government have announced a new pay offer for NHS Wales' staff.

The offer matches and in some cases goes beyond the new NHS pay deal for England.

Eluned Morgan AM said: "NHS staff in the Hywel Dda region do an amazing job and deliver first class care to residents in our rural communities in an often very pressurised environment.

"It is fitting that as we celebrate 70 years of our wonderful NHS we recognise the work NHS staff do with this pay offer."

The pay increase will now need to be approved through a ballot of union members.