Local NHS staff celebrate NHS 78th birthday at Downing Street 

NHS staff from Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire attended a special reception at 10 Downing Street to celebrate the NHS’s 78th birthday. 

 The reception, held on Monday 6 July, brought together NHS staff from across England to celebrate 78 years since the NHS was founded in 1948, recognising the dedication and achievements of those who have gone above and beyond to deliver outstanding care for patients and support their colleagues and communities. 

Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer welcomed more than 100 staff from across the NHS to the event, paying tribute to the work of the NHS in reducing waiting lists, and spoke of his family’s experiences of being cared for. 

Staff from Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, included: 

  • Lisa Fisher, local pharmacist and Chair of Community Pharmacy Avon & Wiltshire  
  • Sarah Dodds, Director of Nursing for the City and Weston Hospital Operating Unit at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust 
  • Dr Harsha Gunawardena, Divisional Clinical Director for Neurological & Musculoskeletal Sciences (NMSK) Division and a Consultant Rheumatologist at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust 

 Lisa Fisher said: 

“I feel incredibly honoured to attend this special celebration marking the NHS’s 78th birthday. It’s a privilege to represent community pharmacy colleagues across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, whose expertise, care and commitment ensure patients receive essential advice, medicines support and accessible healthcare every day.” 

Harsha Guawardena said: 

“I felt very humbled and proud to be invited to attend the reception at 10 Downing Street, having worked in the NHS in Bristol for over 25 years. It was an amazing day and a pleasure to represent Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.” 

Sarah Dodds said:  

“It was a privilege to attend the 10 Downing Street reception to mark the 78th birthday of the NHS. I felt very proud to join NHS colleagues from other parts of the country in celebrating the fantastic work that takes place every day in the NHS as part of a wonderful event.”