Happy 75th birthday NHS! Health staff and students look back on and give thanks for our National Health Service

Today (Wednesday 5 July) marks 75 years of the National Health Service. Faculty of Health, Education and Society academics – plus some of their students – who have worked in the NHS share their thoughts about the importance of one of this country’s great institutions.

Tracy La Penna, Lecturer in Public Health, says: “I have worked in the NHS for over 25 years as a nurse, midwife, health visitor and professional nurse advocate. Working in the NHS has had its challenges, but it has also been a great privilege and has provided me with many opportunities for professional development.

“I have many fond memories, too many to mention, but I will never forget the diverse and amazing people I have cared for, supported, and worked collaboratively with in both the community and hospital setting. I have laughed, cried, and felt lots of other emotions, but it’s always driven my passion and enthusiasm. Now, I have a different responsibility, teaching and supporting our future public health practitioners.”

Mental Health Nursing student Uche Ayalogu says: “The NHS is such a blessing. On a personal level, I’ve experienced great concern from health and care staff when being looked after. I wish the NHS all the best for greater years ahead!”

Fellow Mental Health Nursing student Tawa Lawal concludes saying: “The NHS has been great looking after my children who have been to hospital a couple of times. They’ve been amazing!”

Hollie Townley, Lecturer in Midwifery, says: “On reflection, togetherness, love, and strength appear to be a continuous cycle of themes which thread throughout these memories.

“Every department I have worked within has felt like an extension of my family. This is a result of our shared passion for providing quality care which united us as a team. Each day the togetherness became ever apparent, and I believe this is the ultimate result of love. As Midwives we truly love caring for women, which in turn expands to the growth of mutual love for your colleagues. This enables us to get through the highs and lows of working within maternity. They say it is a vocational calling to become a Midwife rather than a career choice, and I have to agree.”

Kimberley Morris, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery, says: “The NHS is there to catch us when we fall and I, for one, am grateful to have been part of it and have access to it.”

Lara Strangwood, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery, says: “How lucky are we to have the NHS? I will always remember working in the NHS throughout the pandemic. The NHS became my family, particularly those who worked around me. We got each other through a difficult time for all, and I’m so proud of everyone who works in the NHS.”

Steve Buckle, Senior Lecturer in Paramedic Science, says: “Being a paramedic in the UK has been an incredibly rewarding and challenging experience. Every day brings new and unpredictable situations that require quick thinking, compassion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

“One aspect that stands out is the sense of purpose that comes with the job. I have had the privilege of being at the forefront of emergency medical care, providing vital assistance to people in their most vulnerable moments.

“Despite the demanding nature of the job, the gratitude and appreciation received from patients and their families make it all worthwhile. Witnessing the positive impact of our interventions and seeing patients recover and resume their lives is truly fulfilling.

“Overall, it is an honour to serve the community, and the experience continually reminds me of the value of human life and the importance of compassionate care in times of crisis.”

Debbie Hewson, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, says: “The NHS is one of the greatest gifts in the UK. It bears no judgement to whom receives it; no matter who you are, it will serve you. The NHS is there in all emergencies and at many a dark hour for some individuals. It is an incredible service that supports, treats, mends, and most of all, offers care and kindness to all. It’s a national treasure to protect and is an asset to this country and the people who live here.”

Win Hughes, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing, says: “It isn’t hard to express the love and pride I feel about the NHS at it celebrates its 75th birthday. Like most of the population I was lucky to be born ‘into’ the NHS and never knew the terror of not being able to afford treatment. The situation for most of the UK population pre-Second World War, or today face medical bills so large that I would face bankruptcy (currently 14% in the US, with 100 million having medical bill debt).

“In addition, I have had the great privilege to work in the NHS as a nurse. Seeing people at their best as they dealt with the worst.

“The sheer variety of service that the NHS provides is nothing short of a miracle and that it does this every day, every week, every month, every year is a wonder to behold. Please cling on tightly to the NHS and what it does for all of us. It is far too precious for us to lose.”

Paul Fletcher, Senior Lecturer in Podiatry, says: “I’ve worked for the NHS for most of my life and have been involved in delivering free of charge podiatry care under its banner. Now, I’m lucky enough to teach it to students who will work in the NHS, too. Happy 75th birthday NHS!”

Rodrigo Diaz-Martinez, Lecturer in Podiatry, concludes: “I used to work for the NHS, starting my UK career there when I first came here from Spain. The NHS gave me all the support I needed you looked after me very well, to learn a new language, to settle in this country and to become a confident, experienced professional. I’d like to say thank you for all the experience I have gained and now pass to my students, for being able to cure people and help them through difficult times and to work with other amazing people.”