PATIENTS and nurses in the Wee County celebrated 70-year anniversary of the NHS with a little get together in Sauchie.

Asda Alloa organised a tea party at the Clackmannanshire Community Health Care Centre on Thursday, July 5, marking seven decades to the day since the birth of the health service.

The supermarket selected the health centre in an effort to give something back to those who tirelessly serve the community and beyond.

During the afternoon, there were cakes to suit all palates, celebratory balloons and memorabilia to encourage a bit of nostalgia.

Paula Paton, Asda Alloa community champion, said: “We are delighted to join in with celebrations as the NHS turns 70.

“The reason we chose to have the party at Sauchie community hospital was that this is a small hospital providing excellent care for the local community.

“Many of the colleagues here in Asda Alloa make use of the services on offer and there is a huge desire within the store to support where possible.

“Hopefully the nurses and the patients had a great time at the party and this will show the nurses especially how much we all appreciate the hard work and commitment they show day in and day out.”

In the run-up to the anniversary, the Advertiser has been sharing some local stories from within the health service.

Retired Alloa nurse, Rena Horne, spoke of her love for her job after spending 44 years serving in the NHS.

She entered the profession in 1953 – just five years after it was formed – when she was only 17 years-old.

What followed was a hugely rewarding career, particularly her time working in the A&E department which she said was the "love of her life".

And GP Dr Kenneth Stirling, who retired at the end of June, paid tribute to all those behind the NHS, saying it "wouldn't work just with a doctor".

He took up a full-time post in the county in 1986 and spent more than 30 years tending to generations of families within Clacks.

For him, the people side of healthcare was what made it all worthwhile – his patients and the talented teams he got to work with.

Last week, Jane Kaney, who retired from her job as health records supervisor earlier this year, spoke of her warm interactions with those she encountered throughout her service.

The Alloa woman spent 42 years working in the NHS and she said knowing you have made a positive impact on someone's life "gladdens your heart".