Schoolchildren joined NHS workers at a tree-planting ceremony at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary for a double celebration, marking the NHS’s 75th birthday and the hospital’s new A&E department, which opens later this year.
Thirteen youngsters, aged between six and 11, came from the nearby Reinwood Junior and Infant School for the event. The beech sapling was planted by the youngsters with a ceremonial golden shovel and a plaque was also unveiled to mark the occasion.
Reinwood’s headteacher Emma Eastwood said: “We were delighted to be involved in the tree-planting ceremony. The school’s motto is ‘giving roots to grow’ so it definitely seems fitting that our children were here today.”
Brendan Brown, chief executive of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT), said: “What a lovely moment for us all to be here sharing the occasion with our local community.
“I want to thank the children of Reinwood Junior and Infant School for joining us for such a big day for both CHFT and the whole of the country.
“We invited the children to join us, as they not only represent the local people we care for, but also the healthcare workers of the future.”
The pupils loved it and one of them, Hiba, aged 11, said: “It felt really good to be here and knowing I am helping the community was really good, too.”
