The NHS will be 65 years old this week, and celebrations have already begun taking place nationwide. Despite some criticism over the last 65 years, the NHS has certainly come a long way. Although free healthcare is something that people take for granted these days, the birth of the NHS was a major milestone when it began in 1948. NHS founder, Aneurin Bevan believed that good healthcare should be available to all, regardless of wealth, and it was a remarkable achievement considering that the nation was still recovering from the Second World War.

This system has continued for over six decades, with recent government figures showing the NHS treats one million people every thirty six hours. Of course, the system is not without its flaws, and NHS Trusts are under increasing pressure to minimise their spending. The general public do not always realise how much their care can cost, and the following figures may come as a surprise: -

• Cataract operation (1 eye): £700-£900
• Hip Replacement operation: £5000+
• Tonsillectomy: £1000+
• Cost of patient attending A&E: £50-£190

Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt must now plan how the NHS can save money by looking at various options. One way being considered is by ensuring that “Health Tourists” pay their way. Last year it was identified that foreign nationals had cost hospitals £33m, and the NHS was forced to write off £12m of this sum.

Although the NHS has seen many changes ahead of its 65th birthday, the general public opinion is that it is still something to be proud of, and hospitals all over the country are now getting involved in various different ways. The first NHS hospital, Trafford General which is now under threat, is planning a birthday party to mark the anniversary. Local campaigners are planning a ‘hands around the hospital’ demonstration of support; they will march to Golden Hill Park where they are to stage a 50’s themed party. All this takes place whilst the Health Secretary decides the future of the hospital. Nuneaton’s George Eliot Hospital has also stepped back in time, holding a 1940’s tea party to mark the occasion, whilst other hospitals are planning their own ways of joining in. NHS Lanarkshire will gift commemorative photograph frames to all babies born at Wishaw Hospital on 5th July, and other trusts are creating giant birthday cards to celebrate the NHS reaching retirement age.

The fact that the NHS has survived for over half a century shows the strength and commitment of all its staff, who continue to work under considerable pressure to care for millions of patients. Hopefully this determination will see the NHS begin to flourish again in the coming years.