Happy Birthday NHS! Celebrations in the northern region

Happy Birthday NHS! Giving the gift of free healthcare since 1948

As the National Health Service turned 63 today, the Northern TUC and Northern Public Services Alliance were out in force to celebrate one of the most envied healthcare systems in the world - providing free healthcare for all at the point of need. However, the Government has recently published proposals which represent the most damaging attacks ever on the NHS.

So, as part of the Save the NHS campaign, the Northern Public Services Alliance held events across the region, to wish the NHS a very Happy Birthday and asked the public to show their

support and ensure the NHS does have 'Many Happy Returns' by signing giant birthday cards 1 metre high and 0.75m wide, and sporting I heart NHS stickers.

Today's main events included one in the centre of Newcastle and one in James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. As you can clearly see by the pictures, the support and enthusiasm was overwhelming, with the cards filling up with signatures and warm wishes in record time and queues forming to get a sticker! These cards will then be presented to various senior healthcare professionals and bodies.

Northern TUC Regional Secretary, Kevin Rowan said, 'The National Health Service is a deeply valued national institution and is the epitome of equality, ensuring those who need care receive it, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, disability - or ability to pay. This is a timely opportunity for everyone to show their support and appreciation of the NHS and the people who work in it. It is even more important in a region that has some of the worst health statistics in the country.

'We wish the NHS a very happy 63^rd birthday and hope for many happy returns to come, and that mercenary motivations and ideological cuts don't destroy what is, and should, remain a right not a privilege.'

Clare Williams, Chair of the Northern PSA and Unison Regional Convenor said: 'It is important to celebrate the creation of the NHS, and to highlight the threat it faces due to the Government's plans for public services. The Government promised no more top down reorganisations of the NHS, but what we are seeing is the biggest reorganisation since its creation. The health budget is not protected and we are having to find £20 billion in efficiency savings, which will inevitably impact on the delivery of healthcare. We have already seen health jobs lost in the North East as a result of the Government's plans.

'Even after the 'pause and listening' exercise the amendments to the proposed Health White Paper do not remove the core: to increase privatisation into healthcare - and to hand £80billion to GPs to commission care, something the majority don't want to do. The public support and satisfaction for the NHS is at the highest it has been for decades. This is why the Northern Public Service Alliance is continuing to campaign against this Government's plans for public services, and the NHS.'

If you would like to find out more go to facebook.com/northernpsa or go to www.tuc.org.uk/northern and click on the PSA bubble for information and copies of literature.