NHS boss leads special service at Westminster Abbey to celebrate its 70 years

NHS England's chief executive Simon Stevens speaks at a service to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the NHS
PA
Sophie Williams5 July 2018

To be proud of the NHS is "not to be blind to its imperfections", chief executive Simon Stevens said as he addressed a special service at Westminster Abbey to celebrate its 70 years.

Speaking to a congregation of health leaders and NHS staff past and present, Mr Stevens said: "Seventy years ago almost to the day, Aneurin Bevan predicted that the health service 'must always be changing, growing and evolving' so that 'it must always appear to be inadequate'.

"Of course, we're not the only country on this journey. So we can all learn, as well as teach. That's how medicine advances."

Paying tribute to the health service's 1.5 million staff, he added: "Today we give thanks - for their service, for their skill, and for their compassion.

"And for their bravery at times of exceptional challen

NHS 70th anniversary marked in London and Manchesterge. Nurses volunteering alongside Ebola patients. Junior doctors with victims of terrorism. Ambulance crews, GPs and therapists at Grenfell.

"And, yes, once again the skill and the bravery of NHS intensive care staff at Salisbury District Hospital - probably the best hospital in the world to be caring for these new victims."

Teenager Freya Lewis was given a rousing round of applause after speaking of her own experience of the NHS as she underwent more than 70 hours of surgery following the Manchester terror attack.

Theresa May speaks at a reception to mark the 70th Anniversary of the NHS
AFP/Getty Images

Miss Lewis, who had to learn to walk again after she was caught up in last year's atrocity, said she owes her life to medics at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

"I don't have the words to express how grateful I am to all the amazing staff who cared for me," she said.

"I'm only alive and here today because of the incredible care I received."

Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt gave a reading at the service, which was also attended by the Countess of Wessex.

Dr Martin Griffiths, a leading trauma surgeon who led a team treating victims of the London Bridge terrorist attack, also addressed the 2,200-strong congregation, describing the NHS as "what is the best about Britain".

Despite his years of experience, he said: "There is a part of me that still finds it amazing to be a part of this fantastic institution that provides top quality medical care to any citizen that needs it, regardless of their income or background".

"I am particularly privileged to be part of a world-class team that treats those who have suffered traumatic physical injuries," he added.

"My own work has focused on the victims of knife crime. I take no pleasure in noting how the numbers have increased over recent years in our capital.

"I stand with my brothers and sisters who defied the monsters in Manchester and I stand with my friends and colleagues who served London so magnificently at Westminster, London Bridge, Finsbury Park, and of course, Grenfell."

Reporting by PA

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in

MORE ABOUT