Evesham man born on same day as NHS celebrates 75th birthday

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust has this week been celebrating 75 years of the NHS.

On Monday, July 3, Evesham Community Hospital hosted a special event to mark the occasion, giving staff a chance to reflect upon the history of the hospital and the NHS.

The celebration was attended by Evesham resident Derek Bedford, who was born on the same date the NHS was founded, July 5 1948.

Dan Marshall, Matron at Evesham Hospital said: “I certainly wouldn’t work for any other organisation.

“I’ve worked for the NHS for the last 26 years; my family have worked for the NHS since 1948 continuously and it’s a great institution to work for”.

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Derek Bedford cuts a cake to celebrate both his and the NHS' 75th birthday (Image: WHCNHS)

Today, Wednesday July 5, both Mr Bedford and the NHS turn 75.

He attended the birthday event, where he was presented with cake and flowers, with his wife Cathy, who worked as a nurse at Evesham Hospital for 45 years.

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The hospital has a rich history, with the site originally used as a workhouse.

In 1938 it became Avonside Hospital and was later renamed Evesham Community Hospital – meaning that all in all the hospital has been serving the local area for 80 years. 

All but two of the original workhouse buildings have now been demolished and the hospital has seen many upgrades and additions over the years to allow it to continue to serve the local community.

The most recent of which saw stroke rehabilitation services for the whole county centralised to Evesham Hospital.

Birthday celebrations continue this week across the trust, with events taking place throughout their community hospitals and inpatient services.

Evesham hospital staff enjoyed a cake to mark the anniversary of the NHS (Image: WHCNHS)