Salford Celebrates the 75th Birthday of the NHS

By Lydia Kofoworola (MSc Public Health Student)

The 75th anniversary of the NHS was celebrated throughout the United Kingdom, and Salford was no exception. The school of Health and Society celebrations began with a brief introductory speech followed by a fascinating journey through the timeline of the NHS’s evolution, from the pre-1900s to the 1900s, the millennium, and projections for the future.

At lunchtime, the five winners of the NHS stories were announced then guests could enjoy very British refreshments of tea and ice cream. At around 1:15 pm, we heard from several NHS staff members. They expressed their pride and privilege in being part of the NHS, discussed how the NHS has evolved over the years, and highlighted the vast employment opportunities it has provided.

The most memorable part of the celebration was the personal stories of how the NHS has impacted individual lives. A variety of adjectives were used to describe personal experiences with this healthcare system. It was heartening to hear that most of these experiences were positive. Among the many words used to describe the NHS were “sensitive,” “respectful,” “dignified communication,” “supportive,” “touching,” “caring,” “tireless,” “support groups,” “love,” “care,” “compassion,” “commitment,” “dedication,” “effortlessly,” “sincerity,” “advice,” “lifeline,” “invaluable support,” “unwavering dedication,” “tireless effort,” “exceptional care,” “gentle touch,” “comforting words,” “kindness,” and “outstanding care.” The NHS has successfully fulfilled its mission statement of providing care and services that individuals and their families would want to use.

Not only do people rely of the services of the NHS, but they also aspire to be part of the team that passionately and compassionately improves the health and lives of citizens. This aspiration is evident in the stories of individuals who gained self-awareness and confidence about their future through their encounters with the NHS.

In a nutshell, the NHS is not just about systems and equipment; it’s about people. It’s about the nurses, doctors, therapists, care and support workers, pharmacists, administrators, and many others who work tirelessly every day to improve, empower, transform, and save lives. They are the ones who have shaped the NHS into what it is today, and any celebration would be incomplete without acknowledging their tremendous contributions to the health of the nation.

Here’s to 75 remarkable years and many more to come!