Seventy years of National Health Service memories in South Tyneside

Today we take a look at the changing face of the NHS in South Tyneside '“ almost seven whole decades since the organisation was created.

On July 5 this year, the National Health Service will celebrate 70 years of pioneering medical advances and world- class treatments and raise a toast to its dedicated employees and supporters.

NHS   
Danesfield Maternity Hospital Jarrow October 1960placeholder image
NHS Danesfield Maternity Hospital Jarrow October 1960

Since its creation by the Health Secretary Aneurin Bevan in 1948 at Park Hospital, in Manchester, the service has evolved to benefit every corner of the country too.

September 1970  Ingham Infirmary   
Right, Sister Sarah Cain and Nurse Margaret Maughan keeping equipment in the theatre in order.placeholder image
September 1970 Ingham Infirmary Right, Sister Sarah Cain and Nurse Margaret Maughan keeping equipment in the theatre in order.

NHS England now deals with more than a million patients every 36 hours, so the chances are you or a loved one will have been at the receiving end of the life-saving or life-changing treatment at some point or another and will have the stories to tell.

As part of this year’s celebrations, events, exhibitions, awards and initiatives have been planned around the country to celebrate the past achievements and the future of the NHS.

Today we publish various pictures from days gone by of how healthcare was offered in the borough.

In the time since its creation, NHS services have been offered at various sites in and around South Tyneside - some of which are no longer with us.

May 1963  Members of the South Shields Round Table at work on the children's playground which they are constructing at South Shields General Hospital.placeholder image
May 1963 Members of the South Shields Round Table at work on the children's playground which they are constructing at South Shields General Hospital.

Perhaps you were born in one of the hospitals, or your children were.

Or maybe you or a member of your family has worked at one of the hospitals sites which provide care to so many people in the borough.

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