TODAY marks the 70th anniversary of the NHS and Bradford is playing its part to mark the milestone.

Events have been taking place all week in the run-up to the big day as a way to honour the achievements and dedication of those who work tirelessly to keep the treasured institution ticking. We’ve also delved into our archives to showcase these fascinating pictures from years gone by.

Established on July 5, 1948, the NHS was launched by the then Health Secretary, Aneurin Bevan, at Park Hospital in Manchester, known today as Trafford General Hospital.

It marked the first time hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians and dentists were brought together under one umbrella to provide services for free at the point of delivery.

Often dubbed the ‘envy of the world’, the NHS has heralded huge medical advances and improvements to public health, while tackling disease and pioneering new treatments.

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And although the anniversary has prompted celebration and reflection on the impact the NHS has had on people’s lives, it has also galvanised campaigners to shine a spotlight on the problems facing the health service and call for more money to safeguard its future.

The Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) has a packed programme of events planned to mark today’s anniversary.

Girlington Primary School’s Deaf Choir will officially open this afternoon’s lunchtime celebrations by signing songs which were popular around the time the NHS was founded.

The BRI’s hospital radio station, Radio Royal, will provide music, and nurses’ uniforms from throughout the decades will also be modelled.

There will be a showcase of stands charting changing healthcare over the years, plus behind-the-scenes tours of BRI.

They will run every half hour from noon until 2pm, and people can book a slot in he main concourse at BRI.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Professor Clive Kay will host a special lunch for staff and volunteers who turn 70 this year and for former staff and volunteers who have an extra special connection to the Trust.

Many wards and departments will host NHS Big 7Tea parties for their staff and patients.

The Annual General Meeting and Annual Members’ Meeting will be held this evening, featuring official guest speaker Baroness Glenys Thornton, shadow spokesperson on health in the House of Lords.

Tomorrow will see hospital volunteers and executive directors round off the week by raising a cheer with tea trolleys on the wards and prizes will be awarded for the ‘best-dressed’ wards and departments.

Prof Kay said: “This is a very special day for the NHS and for everyone who works at our local hospitals. We have a proud history of healthcare innovation in Bradford which has had a major impact on patient care and the quality and safety of services we provide.

“As we look beyond this milestone our aim is to be in an even stronger position to recruit and retain the best staff, develop our superb services, invest in facilities for the future, and collaborate effectively with our partners in health and care to give patients a high quality, comprehensive and joined-up service.”

The Bradford District NHS Foundation Trust has also been getting into the spirit of the occasion and will host its annual You’re a Star Awards tomorrow night.

The birthday-themed evening will recognise the achievements of staff and volunteers who have gone the extra mile.

Liz Romaniak, interim chief executive, said: “The NHS turning 70 is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of this world-renowned institution, our dedicated staff and committed volunteers and to reflect 70 years of the NHS helping to support people with their health and wellbeing.”

Birthday celebrations at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust have been underway and tonight will see local historian Ian Dewhirst MBE host a special sold-out talk on Keighley hospital history.

Airedale chief executive Brendan Brown said: “Over the last 70 years, the NHS has transformed the health and wellbeing of the nation, through the delivery of medical advances and improvements to public health, meaning we can all expect to live longer lives.

“Whilst we continue to face ever growing challenges, I’m very proud to be working for the NHS, and I’m also proud of all the staff here at Airedale.

“Each and every one of them play their part to provide excellent patient care, and that is why the NHS’s 70th birthday is a perfect opportunity to celebrate these successes – and look forward to the next 70 years.”

Shipley Labour Party will host a birthday party in the park on Saturday. The event at Roberts Park in Saltaire will feature a hospital bed race around Roberts Park with teams from local health organisations taking part.

The bed race will raise money for the Moving Forward Group, a mental health peer support group working across the Bradford district.

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There will also be a giant ‘Operation’ game based on the classic game, a penalty shoot-out, coconut shy, Mad Hatter’s tea party and children’s fancy dress competition.

Elsewhere, Midnight Pharmacy, Great Horton Road, will celebrate the milestone by offering their private GP service for free today.

Anyone can stop by for a free consultation with a private GP from 9am until 6pm.

Bradford City Hall and the City Park fountains will be lit up in blue and Sunbridge Wells is offering 15 per cent discount to NHS staff.