Film charts the history of the NHS

An investigative film which examines the struggle faced by the NHS is coming to Age, UK in Sunderland.

Narrated by award-winning actor, Alison Steadman, and endorsed by film director, Ken Loach, Under the Knife is a 90-minute documentary that tells the story of how the NHS arrived at its present-day crisis.

Using interviews and archive footage, the film charts the history of the NHS, from when it arose out of the ashes of post-war Britain to today.

The influence of neoliberal ideas on the NHS led to the introduction of the now discredited private finance initiatives.

The film, showing on October, 16 at 6pm, ends on a message of hope, illustrating how communities, health care professionals and campaigners have successfully fought to defend hospitals and services threatened with closure through the courts, in council chambers and on the streets.

Aneira Thomas, the first NHS baby, named after the founder of the NHS, Aneurin Bevan said: “I am the first NHS baby.

“Born at one minute past midnight on the July 5, 1948, into our national treasure and our proudest achievement; the National Health Service.

“From my very first breath, and no doubt to my very last, the NHS is central to who I am, the preservation of it for future generations is vital.

“The NHS represents morality, conscience, and equality.

“Under the Knife shows how it must be rescued from being privatised at all cost.”

Register here for a free ticket at undertheknifefilm. co.uk/screenings.