PEOPLE across Hampshire are being invited to raise a cup to the National Health Service and money for the Hampshire Hospitals Charity by holding a tea party to celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS.

Hampshire Hospitals Charity is managed by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and raises money for the three hospitals it runs; Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, and Andover War Memorial Hospital.

The NHS Big7Tea will be a chance for people up and down the country to come together and toast 70 years of the NHS on Thursday, July 5, with members of the public being asked to host there own tea parties and invite friends, family and colleagues along to mark the occasion and support the vital work of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The humble cup of tea has a long and proud association with the NHS. Originally served to patients in traditional fine cups with saucers and side spoon, tea was considered an important aspect of patient satisfaction and recovery. It breaks down social boundaries, and like the NHS and NHS charities, is a symbol of comfort and community.

Donna Green, chief nurse at the Trust, said: “We couldn’t think of a better way to toast our health service and celebrate our wonderful staff than with tea!

“This is great opportunity to celebrate a really special anniversary for the NHS as well as recognising the amazing work our staff do each day and raising money for NHS charities.

“Any money that is generously donated to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Charity makes a real difference to both patients and staff within our hospitals and we are so grateful for the continued support of the community we serve.”

There are more than 250 NHS charities across the UK. In Hampshire alone, charitable donations have allowed the Trust to purchase new state of the art simulation manikins, ensuring that staff are highly skilled and able to provide the best possible patient care.

Thanks to the generosity of patients and their loved ones, previous equipment purchased have also included three ultrasound machines, four cardiac monitors and a microscope and camera equipment.

Donations can be made to individual wards and departments and can often be used to brighten up patient and staff areas.

The NHS Big 7Tea campaign also aims to raise awareness of the vital work of NHS charities and let the public know how to support them, for instance by offering to volunteer.

Host your own tea party, celebrate 70 years of the NHS and raise vital funds for Hampshire Hospitals Charity. If your school, community group or workplace is getting involved, share your photos with communiations@hhft.nhs.uk.