HEALTH leaders in South Cheshire and Vale Royal have been sharing what the NHS means to them, as they mark its 70th birthday.

On Thursday July, 5, staff at the CCGs will gather outside the offices in Nantwich to take part in the NHS Big 7Tea Party, as part of events across the country to say 'happy birthday' to the NHS and to share their memories.

Dr Andrew Wilson, GP and chairman of NHS South Cheshire CCG, said: "Anniversaries are an opportunity to stop, reflect and perhaps appreciate.

"At the 70th anniversary of the NHS, I think about the wonderful collective action that there is within the health service, for this nation coming together to decide that everyone has access to health care, irrespective of their circumstances or ability to pay."

Dr Jonathan Griffiths, GP and chairman of NHS Vale Royal CCG, said: "When my son was admitted to hospital when he was 10 months old, the NHS was there for us.

"When he needed chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant and intensive care, the NHS was there for us.

"And when he died, we were treated with care, compassion and understanding."

Tracey Cole, executive director of commissioning at the CCGs, said: "I joined the NHS because of my mum. She was a nurse until she retired five years ago, and I wanted to be like my mum.

"I felt there was something I had to offer to our patients, our population who need us to be caring, compassionate and have the courage to make sure we do the best to support people in South Cheshire and Vale Royal for the care needs that they have today and tomorrow."

You can view the videos on the CCGs' twitter accounts twitter.com/NHSSCheshireCCG and twitter.com/NHSValeRoyalCCG