11 July 2008
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust teamed up with Radio Jackie recently to mark the 60th birthday of the NHS.
Throughout the week, Radio Jackie broadcast interviews with staff and volunteers from the Trust about how services have evolved over the 60 years.
Trust Chief Executive, Samantha Jones, said: "It was great to work with Radio Jackie and we are very grateful for their support. They helped us to showcase the excellent work our staff and volunteers do and the achievements of both the Trust and the NHS over the last 60 years."
Staff and volunteers interviewed by Radio Jackie included Val Brundle, Chairman of the St Helier League of Friends, who talked about the many ways in which volunteers support Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals.
She said: "When the Friends of St Helier started 59 years ago, a small amount of money was raised which went towards buying things like curtains and pillows. Nowadays, we raise thousands of pounds for specialist hospital equipment. Recent examples included a device used to monitor high risk pregnant mums and a monitor to test epilepsy amongst children and older people."
Other interviews included former medical director Dr Lindy Steven, who discussed advances in clinical services over recent decades; and A&E nurse Michael Smith who spoke about the history of the Trust.
Rosemary Smith, a retired nurse who trained at St Helier in 1958, shared her experiences with Radio Jackie after revisiting the site 50 years on; and consultant neonatologist Ruth Shephard discussed the changes to neonatal service delivery over the years.
Radio Jackie's News Editor, Rod Bradbury, said: "We are pleased to have been involved and helped to highlight the work of the NHS past and present."
