NHS 75.

5 July 2023 marks 75 years of the NHS

Since the NHS was founded on 5 July 1948, it has always innovated and adapted to meet to needs of each generation. 75 years on, the NHS’s founding principles remain as relevant today as they were then. Despite the challenges, the public still overwhelmingly support having a national health service, and it is what makes our people most proud to be British. As we mark 75 years of the NHS, it is a time to celebrate our past, but more importantly, a time to think about a future where we continue to put patients first. We want to take this opportunity to thank all NHS staff and volunteers, past and present, who have made the organisation what it is.

We plan to celebrate the NHS anniversary for 75 days from the 1 June to the 14 August, with the birthday in the middle on the 5 July. 

We will be: 

  • Publishing one story a day on our social media and this web page over the 75 day period from 1 June  
  • Hosting a celebration Big Tea event as part of the July ICB meeting on the 5 July
  • Taking part in Parkrun for NHS 75 on the 7 July

We would love to share your stories about the NHS as well.  If you would like to take part please email: d-icb.communications@nhs.net

From the 1 June we will be publishing stories and facts about the NHS in Devon here on this webpage over the next 75 days to celebrate NHS 75.

Proud to be celebrating Pride (1 June 2023)

The 1 June marks the start of Pride Month! Across the next few weeks, we will be sharing events and information to encourage all to get involved; keep your eyes peeled for what’s going on in Devon.

A time to say thanks to our volunteers (2 June 2023)

1 – 7 June is National Volunteers Week and is the perfect opportunity to thank volunteer colleagues across the system, both past and present, across the 75 years of the NHS.

Learn about the different volunteering roles here: https://england.nhs.uk/get-involved/get-involved/volunteering/

NHS fact (3 June 2023)

Did you know? NHS Fact! Today Devon has over 11,200 births a year, compared to an estimated 15,985 births 75 years ago! This is due to the peaks in births following the end of Second World War II.

NHS fact (4 June 2023)

Did you know? The NHS in Devon supports and cares for 1.2 million people across all healthcare services.

One Month to go! (5 June 2023)

It is just one month to go until the NHS celebrates its 75th anniversary. You can find out more about NHS 75 here:  NHS England » About NHS 75

A piece of history (6 June 2023)

We have been looking through the archives and found a leaflet from when the NHS was formed back in 1948: National Archives – NHS Leaflet

[credit: The National Archives]

Meet two of our vaccination centre volunteers (7 & 8 June 2023)

To celebrate the culmination of Volunteers’ Week 2023 we caught up with Gordon and Roy, two of wonderful vaccination volunteers:

Gordon’s story

“I worked for the ambulance service for 33 years and following my retirement I thought I could use my experience, so I answered the call for volunteers to assist the NHS vaccination program during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was very much part of the team and met some lovely patients and staff during that time.”

Roy’s Story:

‘Volunteering has been my life saver, after losing my dear wife Heather in 2020, it has helped me cope with my bereavement. I have made so many friends and learned so much about their lives. This week I was awarded my badge for 250 shifts at the Plymouth Vaccination Centre and I couldn’t have been more proud. It has been my honour to do this for the NHS and I thank them for giving me such a fantastic opportunity to make so many wonderful friends. We all do it for nothing but feel so much richer for what it gives us in return.’  

Staff Stories (9 June 2023)

Nicola Bonas, Associate director of communications, involvement and inclusion, NHS Devon:

“In the 14 years I have worked for the NHS there are many stories I could share but the one I will share relates to COVID. When we started rolling out vaccinations, I volunteered at a local vaccination centre in a GP surgery. I turned up and I was greeted by a gentleman called, Roy, an 80 year old ex-marine who had been recently bereaved so was spending his days as a volunteer at vaccination sites. His witty charm and sense of humour was automatically captivating and we hit it off from the get go. I learned so much on those long cold and rainy shifts about working on the Queen’s yacht, volunteering for Help our Heroes, tea dances, cooking for the royals and the loss of his beloved wife. Two people, completely unknown to each other, with a 40-year age gap suddenly bought together to combat COVID.

“After many shifts and jabs administered, we formed a strong friendship and I took a lead in recognising Roy and his commitment to public service as part of the national COVID and vaccination celebrations. He attended St. Paul’s Cathedral in London as part of a celebration of volunteers and he met Prince William. Local media covered his story and the Chief Lieutenant of the Royal Marines in Plymouth presented him with a regional award signed by them and the NHS.

Highlight of my career seeing how much this meant to him and his family.”

Staff Stories (11 June 2023) Sam Cush

When and why did you join the NHS?

  • I joined the NHS about 10 years ago after graduating from university. I was young and inexperienced but thankfully my bosses took a chance on me!

What’s the best thing about working for the NHS?

  • It’s a cliché but I wanted to do a job that makes a difference. The NHS touches everyone’s lives at some point and I’m proud to say that I work for it alongside many inspirational colleagues.

What are your hopes for the future of the NHS?

  • That it continues to be there for when people need it and that we get the balance right between caring for those with urgent needs while also supporting people to live longer and healthier lives.

South West’s health and care staff honoured ahead of 75th birthday of the NHS (12 & 13 June 2023)

The NHS in the South West is today (12 June) celebrating the staff and teams who have won regional categories in the 2023 Parliamentary Awards, after being nominated by their MPs.

Winners have been chosen in nine categories, with each now also going forward to the national awards in London on 5 July – the NHS’s 75th birthday. The ceremony will be held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Westminster. Full list of winners can be found here.

The integrated care for older people in Plymouth service (iCOPE) is shortlisted for the #NHSParlyAwards, which recognise outstanding contributions from our talented workforce #NHS75 https://england.nhs.uk/2023/06/nhs-announces-nominations-of-health-service-heroes-ahead-of-75th-birthday/

Our NHS Devon domestic abuse and sexual team is shortlisted for the #NHSParlyAwards for the trail-blazing work they do with general practice locally #NHS75

Staff Stories (14 June 2023) Nicola Bonas

When and why did you join the NHS?

  • 2009

What’s the best thing about working for the NHS?

  • You belong to something pretty special, the people, the patients, the volunteers – it’s a big team effort. It sees the whole rainbow of life, from the first breaths to the last. It touches everyone at some point in their lives and we all have our own stories to share. Some of the moments I have experienced in the NHS have been life changing, the birth of my own children and right through to the pandemic. A totally surreal set of experiences but has made my bond with the NHS stronger than ever.

What are your hopes for the future of the NHS?

  • That it thrives and defeats the odds. That we have less people reliant on treatment for things that could have been avoided or prevented. That we have the space to focus on future medicine and health care, rather than the here and now. We need our eyes on the future and our pace of change to speed up.

Community Stories – Volunteers (15 June 2023)

“I became a volunteer because I wanted to put my spare time to good use and meet new people. It has given me the opportunity to be part of an amazing team,
meet people from all walks of life, learn new skills, develop resilience and make lifelong friends.”

Caroline Kocur, volunteer at a vaccination centre

Staff Stories (16 June 2023) Steve Clark

‘Everyone has different lived experiences, and this really helps shape who we are today and what you bring to the table. I have always been a champion for bringing “your whole self” to work and I am proud to work for the NHS who supports that’

NHS Facts (17 & 18 June 2023)

In 1959 there were a total of 89,659 nurse and health visitors in England and Wales, latest figures show a rise to 350,600 as of November 2022.

The first computer was created in the same year as the NHS (1948) , whereas now technology has advanced to having over 32 million people signed up to use the NHS App.

Staff Stories (19 June 2023) Sharon Bates

When and why did you join the NHS? 

  • I joined the NHS in 1986 and have worked in secondary and primary care throughout those 37 years.  At school I had always known I wanted to work for the NHS in one way or another, but not clinically, and I was fortunate enough to do a summer of work experience and that confirmed to me that I wanted to work in NHS Management. I felt at the time of starting in the NHS that it was an interesting and rewarding system to work in. It has lived up to that first thought and there is never a dull moment in the NHS!

What’s the best thing about working for the NHS? 

  • Overall it is the people that I have worked with over the years, and work with now, that contribute to the best thing about working in the NHS.  I cannot deny that over the last 37 years that it has been challenging at times but in the end the positive times and outcomes outweigh the negative times.

What are your hopes for the future of the NHS?

  • I hope it can continue to be there for people in their time of need, but that it also is able to develop more of a focus on prevention and improving the health of the population.  For a strong future of the NHS we also need to ensure we are investing in the people who work in it…. valuing, supporting and appreciating them. 

Please give any details of colleagues you would like to thank or you think deserve celebrating and why. 

  • I would like to acknowledge and thank all of my colleagues in North Devon, and there are many that I have worked with over the 37 years, we’ve had some hard times, many good times and lots of laughter along the way! I have always been proud of how we all do our best for North Devon and what we have achieved over the years.

Staff Stories (21 June 2023) Amanda Bligh

‘… there is a great sense of camaraderie, everyone working towards the same goal.’

When and why did you join the NHS?

  • I joined in March 2013 after 7 years managing a private dental practice, I wanted a change but remain close to patient care so felt bringing my vast knowledge of private care into the NHS felt a good transition.

What’s the best thing about working for the NHS?

  • The people, there is a sense of camaraderie, everyone working towards the same goal.

What are your hopes for the future of the NHS?

  • Easily accessible, high standard care for all our population.
  • Adequate staffing in all areas to support employee wellbeing, work/life balance which in turn will deliver the best care possible.

Windrush Day – 22 June 2023

Today we celebrate 75 years of Windrush. HMT Empire Windrush arrived in the UK on 22 June 1948 with over 1000 passengers from the West Indies. This was the first wave of post war immigration and many of the passengers took up roles in the NHS, which launched 2 weeks later.

This is the perfect opportunity to honour the commitment of our ethnically diverse colleagues and their significant contribution to NHS services over the last 75 years. To mark this day in Devon, the Windrush Flag was raised during an event at County Hall in Exeter.

Staff Stories (Siobhan Cambridge) 23 June 2023

When and why did you join the NHS?

  • I had worked in the private sector for a long time and then in local authority. I wanted to work in the public sector as I believe in social responsibility. I joined NHSE in 2013 almost to see what it was like to work in the NHS and I’ve stayed because there is a purpose in what we do and how we do it.

What’s the best thing about working for the NHS?

  • There is a sense of supporting those in need of care and often those without their own voice.

What are your hopes for the future of the NHS?

  • My hopes are that it continues to innovate and change. It may not be able to provide everything everyone would like but it should do what it does with excellence and care.

Amanda Pritchard – NHS England CEO Speech at NHS Confederation (24 & 25 June 2023)

See here Amanda’s full speech here on NHS England’s website.

Training for the future (26 June 2023)

A revolutionary training programme has been launched to address the learning disability nurse shortage. The new ‘Aspire’ programme is the first of its kind in England to help shape the future. To find out more, visit: https://onedevon.org.uk/one-devon-news/revolutionary-training-programme-launched-to-address-learning-disability-nurse-shortage/

Amanda Pritchard – NHS England CEO Speech at NHS Confederation (28 June 2023)

Priorities for the future (29 June 2023)

Ahead of the NHS’s 75th birthday, the NHS Assembly has developed an independent report: The NHS in England at 75: priorities for the future. This will help the NHS respond to long-term opportunities and challenges. To find out more, visit: https://www.longtermplan.nhs.uk/nhs-assembly/the-nhs-in-england-at-75-nhs75/ #NHS75

Publication of Devon’s Five-Year Forward Plan (30 June 2023)

The Devon joint forward plan has been published today. This signals a different way of working within the Devon system, for the first time bringing together plans from across different sectors within health and care. https://onedevon.org.uk/about-us/our-vision-and-ambitions/our-devon-plan/ #NHS75

1st Birthday as NHS Devon Integrated Care Board (1 July 2023)

In the same week as the 75th Birthday of the NHS, NHS Devon are also celebrating a year of being an Integrated Care Board since 1 July 2022. Thank you to all staff past and present who have shaped the first year as NHS Devon Integrated Care Board #NHS75 #NHSDevon

Amanda Pritchard – NHS England CEO Speech at NHS Confederation (2 July 2023)

Successes are not just for the history books, but there to be bettered, to be built upon, and to benefit as many people as possible #NHS75

Staff Stories (Akiko Brixey) 3 July 2023

When and why did you join the NHS?

  • I joined the NHS from 2003, previous to this, I worked in R&D for a pharmaceutical company.

What’s the best thing about working for the NHS?

  • Most of my time working for the NHS is around supporting people to be healthier in a wholistic way.  I have learnt people’s health is affected from all aspects of their life, and mental/physical health are inseparable.  I have been working in commissioning in the last four years but still in prevention of a disease.  This makes me feel I am supporting people in Devon to lead more healthier lifestyles, in a larger scale.  In short, working for the NHS is also good for my health. 

What are your hopes for the future of the NHS?

  • It is a great initiative, having accessible health care for the nation.  If I can ask for improvements, perhaps to have more timely access and advancement in technology.

Staff Stories (Emma Herd) 4 July 2023

When and why did you join the NHS?

  • 2001

What’s the best thing about working for the NHS?

  • The ability to influence improvement in services to continually improve experience and outcomes for our patients and population. The NHS has offered me experience in a range of service areas.

What are your hopes for the future of the NHS?

  • The opportunity to grow, continue to improve and be comparable with other countries health systems that are within the best performing for patient outcomes. I hope the NHS can recruit and retain staff and make services resilient, allowing them to become world leaders for care and outcomes but from a preventative perspective to treatment perspective.

NHS 75th Birthday 5 July 2023

Barbara Shute – Torquay

I grew up in Torquay and went to Torquay Girls Grammar school until the age of 16. When I finished school, my family moved to Hawkmoor which is where my nursing career began as a Cadet Nurse at Bovey Tracey Hospital.

I started my student nursing years at Newton Abbot Hospital and this is where I was studying and working when the NHS began in 1948. As a student nurse, working when the NHS began, I remember feeling a mix of emotions, but nothing compared to the day when I was allowed to give my first injection!!

After my time at Newton Abbot, I then went onto complete an additional two years of training at Torbay Hospital and took my final exams in 1953 on Coronation Day! What a day to remember for so many reasons!

I loved my time working at Torbay – my colleagues became an extended part of my family. When I became a Sister – I look back with pride at how far I had come and so grateful for the opportunities the NHS had afforded me. There were so many fond memories – I will never forget the 10-10.30 when we all got together, and the catering team treated us to bread and dripping! We were still in rationing post war, so this really was the highlight of our shift. I am not sure many would see that as a treat now.

When the NHS began, I didn’t notice much difference in my daily working life – things just seemed to continue as normal! The biggest change in my career that still influences how the NHS is run today, was the Salmon report in 1967. This gave us a more developed staffing structure and inspired nursing colleagues to achieve more senior nursing roles. I will be forever grateful for all the amazing memories, colleagues and patients I have met over the years and hope my story inspires others to pursue a career in nursing.

NHS Parliamentary Awards 6 & 7 July 2023

NHS Devon’s trailblazing work to tackle domestic abuse and sexual violence has received national recognition, beating stiff competition from across the country to win an NHS Parliamentary Award

The team were nominated by three MPs – Ben Bradshaw, Simon Jupp and Richard Foord.

NHS Parkrun 8 July 2023

Today is the day! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Join in with your local parkrun by walking, jogging or even volunteering to celebrate the NHS 75th Birthday. Tag us in your pictures if you are running in Devon today or tomorrow with your juniors. Good luck to all involved!

Amanda Pritchard – NHS England CEO Speech at NHS Confederation (9 July 2023)

This week has been great to look at all of the NHS 75th Birthday celebrations. In Amanda’s words: “Look back over the arc of time and the picture becomes clearer. Milestone after milestone. Achievement after achievement… an amazing history, but never a static one.” #NHS75

One Devon Special Bulletin – NHS 75 Special

See the full version and how the system celebrated here.