The NHS is turning 70 on 5 July 2018. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of one of the nation’s most loved institutions, to talk about the wide array of opportunities being created by advances in science, technology and information, and to thank the extraordinary NHS staff – the everyday health and care heroes – who are always there to greet, advise, and care for, us.
Over the last 70 years, the NHS has transformed the health and wellbeing of the nation and become the envy of the world. It has delivered huge medical advances and improvements to public health, meaning we can all expect to live longer lives.
It is thanks to the NHS that we have all but eradicated diseases such as polio and diphtheria, and pioneered new treatments like the world’s first liver, heart and lung transplant. The NHS continues to drive innovations in patient care, including mechanical thrombectomy to improve stroke survival, bionic eyes to restore sight, and surgical breakthroughs such as hand transplants. Looking to the future, the NHS is becoming more integrated and investing in new medicines, genetic research and digital technologies like apps and artificial intelligence, which will ensure we continue to live longer and healthier lives.
But none of this would be possible without the skill, dedication and compassion of NHS staff, as well as the many volunteers, charities and communities that support the service – whether it’s the midwives who deliver us into the world, the GPs and pharmacists who advise and treat us, the nurses, doctors and other clinicians who come to our aid when the unexpected happens, the porters who keep our hospitals moving, or the volunteers who give up their time to support and challenge services to improve.
That’s why I’m delighted to be participating in the NHS70 Parliamentary Awards. I know from speaking to staff and patients in Worthing and Adur that there are some excellent and innovative things going on locally, but now I want to hear about the best of the best.
There are ten categories, covering key areas such as mental health and primary care, as well as a Lifetime Achievement award for someone who has contributed to the success of the NHS for 40 years or more.
Information on how to nominate is available at www.nhs70awards.co.uk – nominations close on March 23rd, so please get them in to me as soon as possible on [email protected].