21 May 2018 – The National Health Service is turning 70 on 5th July 2018. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of one of the nation’s most loved institutions, to appreciate the vital role the service plays in our lives, and to recognise and thank the extraordinary NHS staff – the everyday heroes – who are there to guide, support and care for us, day in, day out. This year is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of one of the nation’s most loved institutions, and more particularly, what we have achieved, those who have learnt and worked here, and those we have cared for at the three hospitals in Leicester. Nationally, over the last 70 years, the NHS has transformed the health and well being of the nation, providing free high quality health care for all which has subsequently made it the envy of the world.

In Leicester we are holding our Big 7-Tea Party on 5th July at Devonshire Place and an event for families we’re working on with the University of Leicester – a Teddy Bear’s Picnic.

The University of Leicester and the local NHS Trusts it works with every day would like to invite the Leicester community to attend a FREE Family Day at the University’s main campus. We would like to raise awareness about the NHS and its wonderful gift to us, and encourage our children – the next generation – to value our healthcare system and support the NHS as it goes forward.

Children and their favorite stuffed animals are invited to join us for a Teddy Bear Clinic, a fun event that helps educate children about what happens at the doctor’s office.
Each child’s stuffed animal is checked-in, then children take their animals in to meet with a medical student doctor  for a check-up. Medical students will also be running mini-health checks for the teddies owners and their parents.

The event will also have stalls and demonstrations from the following:

The Leicestershire Partnership Trust will talk about child health and safety, as well as do paediatric first aid demonstrations and give talks on nutrition.

University Hospitals Leicester will demonstrate the fun in science, and have clinicians and experts from Paediatrics and the Children’s Hospital.

Performances from STARS Youth Choir

Checks from the Leicester Diabetes Centre

Juicing and smoothie demonstrations from Together Against Cancer

CPR training from HeartWize

Relaxation and well-being in children workshops from the Wellbeing Crew

Alice in Wonderland performing acts from Enter Edem

Arts and crafts from the Creation Station – worry dolls, play d’oh healthy pizza, pasta skeletons, foot and hand-print fruit and vegetable characters.

Bouncy castles – one for under 5s and one for over

Leicester University Community First Responders will be there giving defibrillator training.

Outreach activities like ‘Brain Hats’ and ‘Heart Pumps’.

Stalls and activities from charities like: Rainbows Children’s Hospice; The Children’s Cancer Leukemia Group, Leicester Hospitals Charity Children’s appeal, the Way of the Horse, LAMP, and Leicester Marrow society

Catering will be provided by:

The Real Junkfood Project

Picks Organic Farm

JKM Hot Potato

Tilly’s Mobile VW Ice Cream Parlour

Free parking will be available in the Welford Road car-park.

Entry is free, but we will ask visitors to donate whatever they like towards the Children’s Hospital appeal.