This week we celebrate the 70th birthday of our National Health Service. Since its creation, the National Health Service has saved countless lives, fixed innumerable bones, and made the United Kingdom a happier and healthier place to live. Although the National Health Service is much bigger and grander than when it was created it has remained true to its fundamental principle of allowing everyone in the United Kingdom access to world class health care that is free at the point of use, and it is this that has made the National Health Service the envy of the world.
Locally, we should encourage about our excellent health service which is leading the way in new medical research, training the next generation of medical professions and saving lives daily. I know that when I became ill a few years ago I received the very best of care in Southend Hospital and I am sure that you all have a story where either you or a loved one received world class care whilst staying at Southend Hospital. This landmark birthday gives us all the opportunity to thank all of the Doctors, Nurses and support staff that work tirelessly every day to save the lives.
It is because of this that I am pleased the government has recognised this by given our hard working nurses a pay rise and that it has recently announced an extra £20 Billion a year in funding for our National Health Service. I am confident that this money will serve to improve the services we receive both nationally and locally. However, I know there is still work that needs to be done before our National Health Service I am pleased that our National Health Service has been given this injection of cash to ensure its long term survival, allowing its benefits to not only be enjoyed by us but also by future generations.
Therefore, I think I speak for all of us when I say Happy Birthday to our National Health Service and thank you for everything you have done so far. Here’s to the next 70 years.