Over two weekends in July, this special event aimed to honour the extraordinary legacy of the National Health Service (NHS) and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Everyone was invited to join in a range of engaging activities and experiences in celebration of the NHS’s 75th anniversary. Children gained free entry by dressing up as their personal “health hero”, and fancy dress options were available on-site for those who need them.
The “75 Faces of the NHS Trail” in collaboration with Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust enabled guests to explore the museum while discovering the fascinating stories of the individuals featured in the campaign. Staff members from the NHS 75 Faces of the NHS initiative were present to engage with visitors and share their experiences.
Hands-on Eye Dissection Workshops (yes, you did read that correctly!) were offered free of charge on 2 and 9 July. These workshops provided a unique opportunity for attendees to explore the fascinating world of ophthalmology and gain insights into the intricate workings of the human eye, guided by expert instructors.
For those interested in creative activities, the Health Hero Crafts and Colouring station offered a platform for children to showcase their artistic talents and create unique masterpieces. Through this interactive experience, participants not only used their creativity but also developed an appreciation for the invaluable work of healthcare professionals.
To add excitement to the celebration, prizes were awarded for the most creative and inspiring fancy dress costumes. Dressing up as a health hero provided an opportunity for participants to pay tribute to their healthcare idols while demonstrating their imagination and creativity.
In the run up to the event, Rachael Palmer, Director of Engagement at Thackray Museum of Medicine told us: “Thackray is honoured to be hosting ‘Heroes in Training: Celebrating 75 years of the NHS’ and invites everyone to join us for this memorable occasion. Through intriguing activities, informative exhibits and hands-on experiences, the museum aims to inspire the next generation of healthcare heroes while paying tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to the NHS. We are also really proud of our partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust, marking another successful collaboration, with more to come.”
For more information, please visit the Thackray’s website https://thackraymuseum.co.uk/event/heroes-in-training-family-weekends.
