A series of events are to take place across Northern Ireland this week to mark 75 years of the NHS.
The anniversary of the National Health Service, and its sister organisation in Northern Ireland the HSC, falls on Wednesday (July 5).
City Hall in Belfast, Parliament Buildings at Stormont and other buildings in Northern Ireland will be lit in blue on Wednesday evening, while six-year-old Daithi Mac Gabhann - the organ donation campaigner who inspired a change in the law - will be the guest of honour at a special event in Stormont.
Read more: Six-year-old Daithi granted freedom of Belfast
The celebration event at Stormont, hosted by the NI Confederation for Health and Social Care, will bring health representatives together with local arts organisations.
The George Cross Medal, presented to the HSC last summer by the Queen shortly before her death, will be on display.
And on Saturday, thousands of people are set to take part in a 'parkrun for the NHS' at various events across Northern Ireland.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: "Parkrun for the NHS is an opportunity for parkruns and their local communities to acknowledge the huge contribution that the health service makes and celebrate all the staff and volunteers, past and present. Those taking part – running, jogging, walking, or volunteering – are welcome to come along dressed up in NHS blue or in fancy dress."
Department of Health Permanent Secretary Peter May has written to staff across health and social care, thanking them for their work, expertise and commitment.
In his letter, Mr May wrote: “While I am very aware of the severe pressures you have been working under for a sustained period, I also see time and time again examples of the great care, expertise and innovation that happen on a daily basis throughout Northern Ireland.”
He added: “As we look ahead to the next 75 years, the challenge is a big one. I am convinced that all of the problems facing health and social care services are fixable.”
Parkrun events are to take place on both July 8 and 9 across Northern Ireland.
Maria McIlgorm, Northern Ireland's Chief Nursing Officer, said: “I would like to encourage as many people as possible across Northern Ireland to ‘think active’, get out and enjoy your local parkrun as part of the NHS 75 celebrations.
“It is a fitting opportunity to not only come together and mark this great milestone, but to encourage and challenge all of us to lead healthier and more active lifestyles."
She added: “As the NHS marks its 75th birthday this year, I want to send a message of thanks to all health and social care staff for the tremendous contribution you make every day to patients across Northern Ireland.”
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