HEALTH workers looked to the future as they held a party to celebrate 70 years of the NHS.

A special reception took place in the recently opened Orchard View, a £7million unit for older patients with dementia and adults with mental health illnesses.

It was built to replace wards on the old Ravenscraig Hospital, which was set up by the NHS in its infancy.

The new hospital is run by Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership.

At a special event arranged by the HSCP, teams from all over Inverclyde came together to celebrate successes both past and present.

There was a carnival feel with dancers, a swing band and Syrian refugees who have resettled in the district serving up food.

Organiser Carol Fitzharris, service manager and lead nurse at Orchard View, said it was privilege to host the birthday bash.

She said: "It is such a big occasion for everyone involved.

"It is also a great opportunity to show what the Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership does.

"We are very proud of Orchard View."

Mingling in the crowd and soaking up the atmosphere were a whole host of local councillors including health board member Jim Clocherty as well as the head of mental health services Deborah Gillespie and the partnership chief Louise Long.

But the day belonged to the frontline staff who make sure the NHS lives up to the spirit intended by its architect Nye Bevan.

It was a showcase for all the services which go under the umbrella of the HSCP - including community nurse teams, health visitors, financial advice, hospital discharge teams, mental health, social services and much more.

The day took a competitive turn when all the different team took part in sports races.

Later on there was singing from the Clydeside Singers and visitors could also enjoy the archive room, with a walk down memory lane.

Orchard View would like to thank everyone involved in the day including Turning Point and Inverclyde Association of Mental Health, as well as all the businesses who donated to the party.