THANK YOU, NYE
OUR GROUND-BREAKING NHS CELEBRATES ITS 70TH BIRTHDAY
THE founder of the NHS would be angry over the health inequalities that persist across the UK, the Welsh health secretary has said.
But Vaughan Gething said Aneurin Bevan, also known as the chief architect of the health service, would be “proud” of the values that underpin the health service in Wales.
His comments came as the 70th anniversary of the founding of the NHS was marked with a service at Llandaff Cathedral last night.
The event was attended by Prince Charles and First Minister Carwyn Jones.
Meanwhile, in an interview to mark today’s 70th anniversary, Mr Gething said Wales is “continuing to push boundaries in healthcare”.
Mr Gething said that part of Mr Bevan’s vision for the NHS came after he saw the stark health inequalities.
Mr Bevan was also inspired by the success of a local medical group in his home town where workers paid subscriptions every week to cover their medical and hospital expenses.
On the creation of the NHS, Mr Gething said: “Bevan recognised the huge health inequalities that existed in particular, that’s why it was such a radical thing to have a free service that was paid for with general taxation.
“And that came from his experience in Tredegar where the community had come together to share risks and share benefits as well. And that model then became rolled out across the whole of the UK.
“Now we don’t have people who have to worry about paying their medical bills and making choices between eating and medical treatment. And you don’t have people who get care because they can afford to have it and those who just simply can’t afford to do so.”
He added: “What is broadly set in stone though is that where you live, the quality of work you have, still has a big impact on your health outcomes.
“We still have more to do to address some of those health inequalities across the UK, and an awful lot of that is about having work and about having good quality work.”
At last night’s multi-faith service the First Minister told the congregation: “I’m proud of Wales’ strong historical links to the creation of the health service.
“The NHS in Wales remains committed to delivering on [Aneurin] Bevan’s founding principles every day.”
June Osborne, the bishop of Llandaff, said the 70th year of the NHS marked a time for reflection.
“The NHS has become an essential part of our national identity,” she said.
“Long may the daily gifts that are offered within this beloved institution endure. Such gifts create common good.”
Musician Mike Peters sang in the service, while poets Casia Wiliam and Gilian Clarke read poems marking the anniversary of the NHS.
Following the blessing by the Archbishop of Wales, John Davies, Charles signed the cathedral’s visitor book.
He also met winners of the NHS 70 children’s drawing competition and presented them with a Royal Mint coin.