Swindon Advertiser visit GWH to say thank you on NHS' 75th birthday

The Adver editor and several members of the team toured the wards, waiting rooms, receptions and departments armed with special birthday cupcakes and free newspapers as a small thank you to the amazing staff at the trust.

Supported by the hospital's volunteers on their tea and coffee rounds, the newspaper got a glimpse of the great work that takes place every day to help those in need.

Joining the group was the GWH chief executive Kevin McNamara who helped take in orders and handed out the sweet treats to some of the 5,500 staff employed by the trust.

He Tweeted earlier in the day, hailing his employees for their work on the milestone birthday.

The NHS isn’t the buildings or the equipment. It’s the people. It’s a promise that as a country we come together to support one another in our hour of need.

Here are 75 of the 5,500 staff & volunteers (& one therapy dog 🐶) who help keep that promise alive here in Swindon. 👇 https://t.co/iauPq5XTlX

— Kevin McNamara (@Kevin_McNamara1) July 5, 2023

Kevin McNamara said: “Thank you to the Swindon Advertiser for this kind donation for our incredible staff. It was nice to join the team today and get out around the hospital delivering the cakes.

“It’s great to see so many local people stepping forwards this week to show the support for the NHS is as strong as ever in its 75th year.”

The Swindon Advertiser, with support from our commercial partners, published a special thank you front page to the NHS on Wednesday, July 5 as well as a special supplement the week before looking back on the county's historic links with the institution.

Editor Daniel Chipperfield said it was just a tiny gesture on behalf of everyone at the newspaper who are so grateful for the work the hospital teams do.

"These people look after us from cradle to grave, and in our most desperate moments, and it does not cost us a penny," he said.

"We should never ever forget how fortunate we are to have that.

"But to provide such an amazing service on such scale requires serious work and determination, unparalleled organisation, major investment and incredible talent.

"That is where our gratitude resides. On all those people turning up day in, day out and doing a physically and emotionally challenging job.

"I was stunned by the sheer industry of the work being carried out by all staff, as well as the clear dedication the trust has to look after its own.

"The camaraderie was palpable, and I am honoured to have gotten a small glimpse at the beating heart of what gives us all that care and attention every single day.

"I also want to thank our commercial partners for making our special editions possible, and a special thank you too to volunteers Sue and Joshua who helped us throughout the visit alongside their all-important tea and coffee runs!"