The NHS is launching the BIG 7TEA party to celebrate its birthday.

On July 5, groups of friends, family and colleagues will be getting together to have a party and raise money for the hospital charity.

It’s part of several celebrations being organised by Medway Hospital, which include a summer fair on July 7.

Tea was, and still is, considered an important part of patient care.

It was originally served in fine cups and saucers with a side spoon and was seen as an important part of patient satisfaction and recovery.

Donna Law, Charity and Fundraising Manager at The Medway Hospital Charity, said: “Our hospital charity is an important source of income for Medway NHS Foundation Trust.

“Donations from thankful patients and their families enable the charity to buy items which fall outside of the NHS budget. This incredible generosity really does make a difference.

“In 2018, your donations have enabled The Medway Hospital Charity to spend more than £100,000 on a breast cancer biopsy machine, ENT equipment, chairs for our cancer wards plus an annual subscription to the Sparkle newsletter to support our dementia patients.

“The contribution the NHS has made to people’s lives is worth celebrating. Organising an NHS 7Tea party, inviting along family and friends to raise money whilst sharing your NHS stories, is a great way to thank staff at your hospital.”

There are more than 250 NHS charities across the UK with most focusig on helping hospitals and others to support mental health, community health and ambulance trusts.

The NHS Big 7Tea will raise awareness of the vital work of NHS charities and let the public know how to support them, for instance by making a donation or offering to volunteer.

You can host your own 7Tea party too.

To download your free fundraising NHS Big 7Tea pack visit https://www.medway.nhs.uk/nhs70.htm or email medwayft.charity@nhs.net for more information.

Alternatively, call the fundraising team on 01634 825398 if you’d like to know more.