A service of celebration and thanksgiving for the 70th anniversary of the NHS in the city of Leeds will take place on 11th October at Leeds Minister.
Throughout 2018 events have taken place across the country to mark this special year in the history of the National Health Service, which was formed in 1948. The service at Leeds Minster will offer the people of Leeds, especially NHS organisations connected with the city, the opportunity to celebrate a much loved and treasured institution.
“The NHS has a unique place in the hearts of the people of The UK,” said the Rev’d Ben Rhodes, Head of Chaplaincy for the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (pictured below and right).
“The City of Leeds is home to many NHS national bodies such as NHS England, Digital along with acute, specialist, mental health, and community care. Whether as a patient or carer, volunteer or employee this service will celebrate this amazing organisation and give thanks to the difference the NHS makes to so many lives.”
The Reverend Canon Sam Corley, Rector of Leeds Minster, also said “We are delighted to be hosting a service to celebrate the contribution of the NHS to the people of Leeds over the past 70 years. Often taken for granted and yet there for us all in times of need, the NHS is physically present at the heart of our communities and our city through a diverse ecology of services, surgeries, clinics and hospitals. Yet of course, so often, it is the people whom we meet on the front line that make the biggest impact through their skill, professionalism and care. There is much to give thanks for! So we look forward to welcoming all with a connection to the NHS as we gather in the presence of God for a service of thanksgiving.” 
The NHS forms a huge presence across the city of Leeds, with seven hospitals and numerous NHS organisations providing a variety of physical and mental health services. Leeds has often been a key place of pioneering for health and medicine. For example, for over 50 years Leeds has been at the forefront of emergency medicine. Mr Maurice Ellis who set up the Casualty Surgeons Association in 1967 was a Consultant at Leeds General Infirmary and became the first A&E consultant in the UK (with many also saying the first in the world) meaning emergency medicine all started right here in Leeds.
On 11th October, at Leeds Minster, contributions will be made from people working in different sectors of the health service and The Rev’d Nicholas Bradbury, a priest, practical theologian, writer and a psychodynamic facilitator who has worked with the NHS, will be preaching. If you live in Leeds and have been a patient, volunteer or employee in the NHS then you are most welcome to attend Leeds Minster, on 11th October.