People are rushing to social media to wish the National Health Service a happy birthday and share the many ways in which the NHS saved their lives and those of their loved ones.
The National health Service (NHS) was launched by the Labour’s health minister Aneurin Bevan on the 5 July 1948.
As part of its 70th birthday celebrations, thousands have gone on social media to share the many ways in which they are grateful to the health service and its long history.
Here are some of the most heartwarming stories around:
1. Dr Rageshri Dhairyawan’s journey from medical records clerk to sexual health consultant
Happy birthday NHS & I hope another 70 years to come! Proud to work for you since the age of 17 as a medical records clerk, medical secretary & finally doctor. Have learnt so much from colleagues & patients over the years. This is me on my first day as a doctor in 2004! #nhs70 pic.twitter.com/GNXpyxz7bE
— Dr Rageshri (@crageshri) 5 July 2018
2. Hannah Witton’s thanks for the lifesaving treatment
Happy 70th Birthday to the NHS! #NHS70 You helped me be born, helped with my ulcerative colitis between 7-15 years old, got me free contraception & this year you saved my life TWICE. Thank you to all the hardworking nurses & doctors. Thank you, @NHS. Happy Birthday! pic.twitter.com/MEffR2rqhb
— Hannah Witton (@hannahwitton) 5 July 2018
3. Lorraine Mulholland and her son Joel’s birthstory
Happy Birthday NHS! 🎉70 years old today! I’m so glad I had my son Joel in Warwick Hospital, while I was in England! I was on a drip until I was 5 months pregnant, so I really needed their help! Mad to think even my dad was born at home! @nhsswft #otd #NHSat70 #NHS70 🎉 pic.twitter.com/YAjFWALoKr
— Lorraine Mulholland (@lorraineelizab6) 5 July 2018
4. Dr John Broom’s NHS veteran father
Having served with the RAMC from 1940 to 1946, my father worked in the #nhs from its inception 70 years ago today through to his retirement in 1981.
Two great crusades leaving me immensely proud of the legacy he left.#NHS70 #WW2 pic.twitter.com/SYSSdxYmff
— Dr John Broom (@johnbroom1970) 5 July 2018
5. Broadcaster, campaigner and acid attack survivor Katie Piper’s touching tribute
Happy Birthday to The NHS! Thank u 2 every single person from Porter to Consultant who work tirelessly in the NHS. You’ve been a huge part of my life. Thank you for this great service, love and care- let’s respect it, appreciate and protect it #nhs70 #happybirthdaynhs pic.twitter.com/MM6hxlws3l
— Katie Piper (@KatiePiper_) 5 July 2018
6. Isobel Bowditch’s mum and aunty who met while training as nurses
Happy 70th NHS. Here’s my mum (1st row 2nd left) and aunt (2nd row 2nd left) who met whilst training in the 50’s. So full of hope. pic.twitter.com/hEYEHeQkl4
— Isobel Bowditch (@isobelbowditch) 5 July 2018
7. So many nurses-mums being celebrated
Happy birthday #NHS70. Remembering with pride Betty Ohene-Djan(RIP) my mum. Who came from Ghana in 1955 to work as a midwife in the NHS caring for so many mums and their babies. #makingadifferencetopeopleslives pic.twitter.com/R3gdtDkrux
— Louise Brown (@LouiseBrownUCL) 5 July 2018
Today we celebrate 70 years of our nation’s greatest achievement – the NHS. Thank you to the wonderful staff (including my mum) who do their best to care for us, from cradle to grave. Happy birthday NHS. #NHS70 pic.twitter.com/TeALATW4QA
— Steven Atkins (@_StevenAtkins) 5 July 2018
Happy 70th Birthday to our NHS.
Here is to all those who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the service functions smoothly. A special mention to my mum (pictured at the age of 19 starting her career as a nurse in the NHS) who dedicated 36 years to the service. #NHS70 pic.twitter.com/KDY3b1bDSK
— Rohana Abeywardana (@ro_abeywardana) 4 July 2018
8. Andrea Bennett’s son Archie and his incredible story of survival
My son Archie was born with a malformed heart & nasal passages blocked by bone due to CHARGE Syndrome. Without immediate surgery & intensive care he’d have died within a week. He’s now 20. We’re all precious, and so is our NHS #NHS70 Don’t take it for granted. pic.twitter.com/xDWvUVH833
— Andrea Bennett (@andreawiderword) 5 July 2018
9. How the NHS saved Caroline Berry as a child
Here I am aged three in hospital a long way from home. I was here for ten weeks but because my parents didn’t have a car or much money they could only visit me once a week. Thank you NHS for looking after me. Happy 70th birthday #NHS70 #NHS #Happy70th #FromCradleToGrave pic.twitter.com/tigA4uHbWO
— Caroline Berry (@1CarolineBerry) 5 July 2018
10. American actor Rob Delaney extolling the virtues of a free at point of delivery health system
Happy 70th birthday to the NHS! I moved to the UK 4 yrs ago after 4 decades using US health care. Was amazed at how easily I registered my family at our local GP. Quality care, free at point of use & £8 for prescriptions? Shocking to an American. #NHS70
— rob delaney (@robdelaney) 5 July 2018
Happy 70th birthday dear NHS! Thank you for everything!
Joana Ramiro is a reporter for Left Foot Forward. You can follow her on Twitter for all sorts of rants here.
To reach hundreds of thousands of new readers and to make the biggest impact we can in the next general election, we need to grow our donor base substantially.
That's why in 2024, we are seeking to generate 150 additional regular donors to support Left Foot Forward's work.
We still need another 124 people to donate to hit the target. You can help. Donate today.