Allan Smith

We are very lucky in this country to have a National Health Service. Before the NHS was founded the only way to get healthcare was to pay for it directly. That meant many families simply could not afford treatment.  On July 5, 1948 Labour set up a free healthcare scheme which continues to grow and, 60 years on, is now better than ever.

I have needed health treatment a number of times in recent years and I have nothing but praise but for doctors, nurses and everyone involved in my treatment. I have been able to choose the hospital I wish to attend and I have often been told that my appointment has been brought forward as waiting list times have been slashed.  NHS funding has trebled since 1997 and we have more hospitals than we have ever had.

I often find those who criticise our hospitals and the staff who work within them are ones who, luckily, have not needed to receive treatment. But I have - and I could not be more grateful.  I am very proud of our NHS and I would like to thank all of the wonderful staff who look after us, and our families, when we need care and attention. I hope that in the next 60 years the NHS will continue to go from strength to strength.