NHS 60 service of celebration
Published: 18 July 2008
Report by Sarah Evans, Association of Nursing Students Executive Committee, Welsh Region
I was fortunate to be invited to the NHS 60 Service of Celebration, held in Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 2 July, in the presence of HRH Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister and ministers for health both past and present. The congregation was largely made up people whom have served in the health service over the past 60 years.
The service was followed by a reception at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre, where guests were greeted by Parliamentary Under Secretary for Health Services, Ann Keen, who thanked us not only for attending the day’s celebrations but also for the work we do on a daily basis caring for patients in our hospitals. Ann introduced Soprano Lesley Garrett, herself married to a GP, who sang for the guests.
I had the opportunity to speak briefly with both Ann Keen and the Secretary of State for Health, Alan Johnson, who both said they were glad to meet so many people who have contributed to the NHS, over the last sixty years.
In the evening, the Prime Minster held a private reception in Downing Street for about 50 guests. Mr Brown stressed that the importance of the survival of the NHS lay in the hands of the clinicians involved in the delivery of care. He then made a point of greeting each of his guests.
I was so proud to be part of such an historical event to mark the 60th birthday of the National Health Service. It is a day I will never forget for the rest of my life.