As the NHS turned 70 last week celebrations took place across the country.

A party was held at Amman Valley Hospital on July 5 to celebrate the landmark birthday of the National Health Service.

Staff, patients and relatives all attended the event as well as members of the Amman Valley Hospital League of Friends.

Dilys Richards, secretary of the League of Friends, told The Guardian: “The 70th birthday of the NHS coincides with the 70th birthday of the League of Friends’ 70th birthday which will be in September.

“The hospital has received lots of support over the last 70 years and the support will continue.”

Cakes and buffet food were donated by members of staff who wanted to celebrate the milestone.

A spokesperson for Amman Valley Hospital said: “We’ve had a fabulous time and we are thrilled to be able to celebrate 70 years of the NHS.

“Patients, staff and relatives have had a lovely day celebrating the occasion and we look forward to the next 70 years at Amman Valley Hospital.”

As part of the celebrations Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething, has thanked all those who have helped make the much-cherished institution what is today.

He also reflected on Wales’ role in shaping the NHS of today and set out how the Welsh Government aims to ensure the NHS in Wales continues to provide high-quality healthcare, free at the point of delivery, when it reaches its 100th birthday and beyond.

Since its creation in 1948 by Ebbw Vale MP Aneurin Bevan, Wales has played a key role in the development of the NHS.

Ahead of the week-long celebrations, The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething said: “It’s a great honour to be the Health Secretary during the NHS 70 celebrations, here in Wales where the NHS was born.

“I am looking forward to celebrating our much loved NHS alongside the dedicated, hardworking staff who truly make the service what it is today.

“It is an opportunity to celebrate what has been achieved since 1948 and also to remember the core principles of the NHS.”

A number of events were held across Wales to celebrate NHS 70 and the Health Secretary along with the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, will be attending a number of those.

A thanksgiving service was held on July 4 at Llandaff Cathedral for the NHS attended by HRH, the Prince of Wales who was greeted by current and past NHS staff from across Wales, as well as Aneira Thomas, the first person born in the NHS.