FRIMLEY Health care workers are preparing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS with a line-up of events.

To mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS on Wednesday, July 5, health and social care workers are planning various events, including the nationwide ‘NHS Big Tea’.

While some will be heading to London for a national service of thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey, others will be marking the occasion in their workplaces.

Health care workers across the country will be gathering for a traditional British celebratory cuppa, holding their own ‘NHS Big Tea’ to commemorate the milestone.

Chief medical officer for NHS Frimley, Lalitha Iyer, is one of those nominated to be part of the congregation at Westminster Abbey.

She said: “I’m extremely honoured to be put forward to join so many wonderful, dedicated colleagues from across health, social care and the voluntary sector for this national commemoration.

“We’ve had a tough few years but the NHS remains a real force for good and is still so highly valued by people across the country and I’m immensely proud to be part of it.”

Lalitha added that she hopes NHS staff recognise the “part that they play in such a great national institution.”

The NHS was founded on July 5, 1948, based on three core principles: That it meets the needs of everyone; that it be free at the point of delivery; and that it be based on clinical need, not ability to pay.

Also heading for Westminster Abbey will be Chey Sparks, a qualified nurse and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Coordinator for Frimley Health and Care.

Chey said: “It’s quite daunting for me to be asked to attend such a large event in such a prestigious venue but I’m keen to go as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance and it’s a real honour.

“I feel so lucky to work for the NHS and to be part of this enormous, diverse, national team that makes a difference to the lives of so many people every day of the year.”

Since it was founded, it has led mass-vaccination campaigns, pioneered transplant surgery and IVF, as well as making many life-saving and life-changing medicines available to patients.