PATIENTS, staff and visitors at the Countess of Chester Hospital drink more than 25,000 cups of tea or coffee every week, it has been revealed.

The fundraising team reckon more brews are consumed at the Liverpool Road hospital than at any other site in the city.

Now they’re encouraging people across the area to put the kettle on and support The Countess Charity and the NHS as it approaches its 70th birthday on July 5 this year.

Lesley Woodhead, head of fundraising at The Countess, said: “The NHS Big70 is a chance for people up and down the country to come together and celebrate 70 years of the NHS.

“And what better way to do this than with a cup of tea? Tea brings us all together. It breaks down social boundaries and, like the NHS and NHS charities, is a symbol of comfort and community.”

She added: “To help us celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the NHS we are inviting you to have tea (and cake!) with friends, neighbours or work colleagues and make a donation in celebration to The Countess Charity.

“Tea parties large or small during 2018 will help us raise money to support your local hospital and join in the celebrations.

“At some point in our lives we all need the NHS – let’s celebrate what we have and say thank you for care given to ourselves or our friends and family.”

Message The Countess Charity on Facebook, email emma.boylan1@nhs.net or visit www.nhsbig7tea.co.uk for fundraising support and a fundraising pack.

Some of the recent donations and fundraising have provided The Countess with: a new ultra-sound breast scanner; two kidney dialysis machines; human milk bank - pasteuriser and freezers; two specialised chairs for ITC; a new quiet space in the Spiritual Care Centre; slippers for patients who arrive without them; rehabilitation equipment; and four lollipop signs for outpatients to ensure privacy whilst waiting.