Medway council has marked 75 years of the NHS by giving the organisation a top civic honour.

The freedom of the borough, previously given to the Corps of the Royal Engineers and HMS Chatham, was given to Medway NHS Foundation Trust in recognition of the contribution of the staff of the hospital to the community.

The award also recognised “the close and longstanding bonds of friendship and mutual respect existing between Medway Maritime Hospital, Medway Council and the people of Medway as well as express admiration at the workforce’s contribution to the National Health Service.”

It was the first time a non-armed forces organisation has received the award.

In September, the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust (CHDT) and Chatham Branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) also received the honour to recognise the contribution their members made to the Falklands war, 40 years ago.

The freedom of the borough is the highest civic distinction Medway Council can award.

Deputy council leader Teresa Murray (Lab): “It’s our opportunity to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS, by demonstrating how much this means to all of us, embodied by our local hospital Medway Maritime Trust.

“The dedication of staff, past and present, to give us the best service they can has always been clear. Crises are faced and improvements are made so that lately practice and innovation have been recognised, and the hardwork and determination of staff has won awards.”

Tory leader Adrian Gulvin: “Madam Mayor, when you mentioned declarations of interest the thought occurred to me that we’ve all got to declare an interest because Medway hospital is at the heart of our community and all of us here rely on that hospital.

“That is something we must never, ever forget. What makes me so happy to support this is because, as Cllr Murray ably pointed out, it’s the staff that we’re really thanking and supporting. They’ve carried on through thick and thin and provided the best possible service.”

Other councillors spoke in support of the award, relaying memories of when they had needed help and the support they had received.

Cllr Vince Maple: “One of the first eight signatories to the One Medway Charter was the foundation trust. Why is that? Because they’re at the heart of our community.

“They are there for us 24/7, day in, day out. Through the best of times and the worst of times.

“I’m incredibly grateful for what that hospital does, and all 59 of us could say this is why this hospital, the people working there, matter to us and matter to the people we represent.”

Jayne Black, chief executive of the trust said: “It is great honour for the trust to have been recognised in such a unique way, particularly as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS this year.

“I would like to thank all colleagues working here at the trust for their continued support in providing the best of care to the people of Medway and Swale.”