Today marks the 69th anniversary of our nation’s greatest institution and most remarkable achievement – the National Health Service.In 1948, in the aftermath of global war, and in a country still rationing food, a system was established by which anyone – everyone – could receive the treatment they needed, funded by taxation and free at the point of use. Need, not cost, would be what determined the care you received.
In 1948, in the aftermath of global war, and in a country still rationing food, a system was established by which anyone – everyone – could receive the treatment they needed, funded by taxation and free at the point of use. Need, not cost, would be what determined the care you received.This was a decent system, a humane system and one which has endured – often against the odds – to this day.
This was a decent system, a humane system and one which has endured – often against the odds – to this day.
I’m so proud of UNISON’s half a million NHS workers – all playing a vital role in caring for our communities, whatever their role. Today, as we remember the near seven decades of care that have been provided by UNISON members and their predecessors, we must always remember that our great health service couldn’t survive without those who don’t always get the limelight but still deserve the credit.
And of course, all of them – and all public sector workers – need an end to the pay cap, and a decent pay rise they’ve more than earned.
With that in mind, I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be today than Cardiff, where I’ll be attending the Annual UNISON Cymru/Wales Regional Health Awards. I’m looking forward to talking to – and thanking – some of the heroes of our health service. And where better to do it than in Wales, home of the founder of our Health service, and an inspiration to so many – Nye Bevan.
Bevan’s story shows us the importance of fighting for real and lasting change. His work seven decades ago still echoes down the ages, and has changed and continues to change our country for the better. On this day and every day we must fight to keep the spirit of the NHS – Bevan’s spirit – alive, and work to keep this most precious of all services safe for the generations to come.
