HOSPITAL staff were praised for their outstanding work during a celebration to mark the 70th anniversary of the NHS.

Celebrations kicked off with an official cake cutting by Steve McManus, chief executive of Royal Berkshire Hospital, and members of the trust's board.

Mr McManus said: "A huge thank you to all the staff for their dedication to patients and carers, whether they are a porter, doctor, volunteer, therapist, member of a clinical admin team, finance, HR, catering, nurse, midwife, student, or the myriad of roles that make up the outstanding team across all our sites.

"It is a real privilege to be part of the Royal Berkshire team.  I would like to add my thanks to The Royal Berks Charity and John Lewis, Reading for providing the cakes – such a fantastic gesture and hugely appreciated by everyone.”

Wards and departments at the Craven Road site organised their own events on the day, including running 70 laps around the perimeter of the hospital and cake sales in aid of the Royal Berks Charity.

Staff had also taken on health and wellbeing pledges to raise much-needed funds.

Ian Thomson, Royal Berks Charity's director, added: "It was fantastic to get involved with the NHS celebrations and see the excitement on staff faces as they received their ward or department cake.

"Through these NHS 70th anniversary celebrations we continue to help raise funds for wards and departments across the Trust.

"The support we receive from the community is outstanding and as an example, this year we have partnered with Jacobs jewellers who are also celebrating their 70th year in business to raise funds for the Berkshire Cancer Centre (BCC).”