NHS celebrates 65th years

The NHS will celebrate its 65th anniversary on Friday.
NHS Lanarkshire logoNHS Lanarkshire logo
NHS Lanarkshire logo

And to mark this special occasion all babies born in Lanarkshire on July 5 will receive a commemorative photo frame on the day.

Cabinet secretary for health and wellbeing Alex Neil will also be visiting the unit to speak to mums and staff.

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Neena Mahal, chairwoman of NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We know how much the NHS and its staff are valued by people in Lanarkshire.

“Reaching its 65th anniversary is a major milestone and what better way to commemorate this than offering a small gift to the babies born in our maternity unit who will share their birthday with the NHS.”

Britain was the first nation in the world to introduce a universal health care system and the NHS could not have come at a better time.

In 1948, the nation was still recovering from the devastation caused by World War II, and while hostilities had ceased for three years, people still led a fairly bleak existence with continuing food rationing, housing shortages and diseases such as diphtheria, scarlet fever, poliomyelitis or tuberculosis all killers – particularly of children.

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The creation of the NHS brought hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians and dentists together under one organisation that was free to all users and paid for through general taxation according to an individual’s means.

And while the uniforms, buildings and technologies have all evolved over the years – the fundamental principles behind the NHS have survived - unchanged - for 65 years.

Neena added: “The care we provide in Lanarkshire is developing all the time and as a result people are living longer, healthier lives than ever before.

“I would like to take this opportunity on the 65th anniversary of the NHS to thank all the staff in Lanarkshire who contribute to our success”.

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Health secretary Alex Neil, added: “The NHS is with us at every stage of our lives and most people in Scotland will benefit from the tremendous care it provides at what can often be their darkest moments, or a time of crisis.

“This week marks the 65th Anniversary of Scotland’s NHS and there’s never been a better time to celebrate what we have – our NHS is there for everyone, no matter what the circumstances.

“The hardworking staff of NHS Scotland save and improve lives on a round the clock, daily basis.

“When I visit NHS services across Scotland I never cease to be impressed by the stories of the dedication and compassion provided by staff. They have my admiration and gratitude.”