VETERANS celebrated the NHS’ 75th anniversary by sharing their memories of the service.
The NHS marked its anniversary with a number of events up and down the country including tea parties thanking the doctors, nurses and everyone who plays a part in providing healthcare across the country.
Star and Garter resident, Margaret Wates, aged 86, said: “I remember the NHS being founded very fondly.
“My father was a doctor in the RAF, and he was overjoyed that all could receive free treatment. He was a radiographer and I just remember so clearly how pleased he was for everyone.
“Now when I see the NHS it seems to be struggling and I find that sad. I still receive very good treatment and the staff are excellent, but you hear that they’re struggling with staff shortages, or that they’re unable to treat people the way they want them to.
“I find that sad.”
Doris Chavasse spoke about the very long queues outside doctors surgeries and hospitals because everyone thought everything was going to be free from the NHS.
The 100-year-old said: “I remember when I was in my 60s going in for an operation and the NHS was amazing.
“They had matrons on the hospital rounds and I was treated fabulously. It was so different to a recent admission I had.
“It had changed a lot, and not for the better and I found that very sad.
“I want to see improvements to the NHS and I really hope the problems they have now can be resolved.”
Sue Learner, editor of carehome.co.uk, said: “For most of us, the NHS is something we take for granted, that is just part of being British. But hearing care home residents reminisce about the time it was founded 75 years ago makes you realise the huge difference it made to people’s lives.
“It is still a health service that many are justifiably proud of and on its 75th anniversary, the government needs to take action, end the strikes and make sure the NHS lives to see 100.”
