The National Health Service celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2023. It came into being on 5 July 1948. During post-war reconstruction, improving the healthcare of the nation was seen as crucial to the nation’s recovery. A culmination of a bold and pioneering plan to make healthcare no longer exclusive to those who could afford it but to make it accessible to everyone. The NHS was born.
The National Health Service, abbreviated to NHS, was launched by the then Minister of Health in Clement Attlee’s post-war government, Aneurin Bevan, at the Park Hospital in Manchester. The motivation to provide a good, strong and reliable healthcare to all was finally taking its first tentative steps. This project was said to be based on three ideas which Bevan expressed in the launch on 5th July 1948. These essential values were, firstly, that the services helped everyone; secondly, healthcare was free and finally, that care would be provided based on need rather than ability to pay. It was a momentous achievement and, in spite of early professional resistance to some of the proposals, it was born of a national consensus: everybody wanted the new service to work.
The NHS was based on principles unlike anything that had gone before. Sir William Beveridge, the architect of the NHS, identified “five giants” that had to be slain: want, disease, squalor, ignorance and idleness. The cataclysm of war provided the stimulus for radical reform.
It was financed almost entirely from central taxation. That the rich paid more than the poor for comparable benefits was regarded as a crucial part of the scheme. Everyone was eligible for care, even people temporarily resident or visiting the country. People could be referred to any hospital, local or more distant. Care was free at the point of use, although prescription and dental charges were subsequently introduced.
During the pandemic, there was immense national and local support for the NHS and its front line workers. The emergence of the Thursday ‘Clap for Carers’ was a significant experience in the lockdown. It was right to honour the the contribution of carers and key workers who gave of themselves sacrificially during that time. The unsung heroes of the NHS always need to be applauded and recognised. After all, where would we be without them?
Today, the NHS is facing a greater crisis still. The issues of funding and demand continue to rise and the ability to provide free healthcare to all is a continuous topic of debate for many.
Nevertheless, 75 years marks an important moment in British history. The NHS created in 1948 was brought about through hard work and dedication from those that truly believed in new ideas about services, health, medical ethics and society more generally. The NHS has faced crisis, economic downturns, periods of prosperity, growth and so much more in its 75 years of operation.
The NHS has in some ways exceeded expectations and at the same time there is always more that can be done. The idea of a National Health Service once upon a time would have been unheard of, yet today we cannot imagine life without it. The creation of the NHS marks a significant chapter in British social history.
FYI, I come from a family of nurses: my wife, son and daughter-in-law, sister-in-law and sister all work (or have worked) as Nurses within the NHS.
A Prayer for the 75th Anniversary of the NHS
God of life and love
We celebrate 75 years of our National Health Service.
We rejoice in the vision which birthed it.
We pray for those charged with its continued well-being,
asking for commitment, vision and compassionate leadership.
We give thanks for the miracle of healthcare.
For all in the NHS whose skill, dedication and compassion we rely upon.
We commit to work for justice in healthcare provision,
for care for all who need it – according to their need.
In the name of Jesus who came to bring life we pray.
Amen.
(The Revd Fran Kissack, a United Reformed Church minister and NHS hospital chaplain of more than 20 years)
For Carers and Health Professionals
Heavenly Father,
whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve:
bless all who, following in his steps,
give themselves to the service of others;
that with wisdom, patience, and courage,
they may minister in his name to the suffering and the needy;
for the love of him who laid down his life for us,
your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Lord Jesus, who healed the sick and gave them new life,
be with all carers and health professionals,
as they act as agents of your healing touch.
In desperate times, keep them strong yet loving;
and when their work is done,
be with them in their weariness and in their tears.
Amen.
(Althea Hayton, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Chaplaincy – adapted)
Intercessions
Let us pray to God our Father, whose Son came that we may have life.
We give you thanks for the life and work
of all those whose vision founded our National Health Service,
and for those who serve others in care and compassion.
We pray that their work and ministry to the sick may enrich and support the welfare of all.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
We give thanks for all who provide leadership in healthcare,
for those who exercise stewardship and allocate resources
and pray that, in challenging times,
support and compassion may be shown to those most in need.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
We pray for all who promote health and wellbeing in policy and practice;
for all who care for the sick, in hospital, in care homes, and at home;
for doctors, nurses, care assistants and cleaners.
We seek guidance and strength for all chaplains,
and for all engaged in teaching and medical research.
Lord, hear us: Lord, graciously hear us.
We pray for those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit;
for those who are terminally ill, elderly or frail;
for all who live with a disability or in constant pain,
and for the many who strive to bring comfort and healing to them.
Lord, hear us: ord, graciously hear us.
Remember in your kingdom, O Lord,
all those who have faithfully served you here on earth and are now at rest;
grant us, with them, and with all the faithful departed, the joy of your salvation.
We commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Bible Readings
- Isaiah 35.3–6 Strengthen the weak hands
- Ecclesiasticus 38.1–9 The Lord created medicines out of the earth
- Luke 7.1–10 Jesus heals a Centurion’s servant
- Romans 12.1–8 The gifts of the Body of Christ
- Colossians 3.9–14 Put on compassion and kindness
- James 5.13–16 Anointing the sick
- Revelation 22.1–5a The tree of life
Personal Prayers
How generous is your goodness, O God,
how great is your salvation,
how faithful is your love;
help us to trust you in trial
and praise you in deliverance;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Jesus, our companion,
when we are driven to despair,
help us, through the guidance of your spirit
and through the friends and strangers we encounter in life,
to know you as our refuge, our way, our truth and our life.
Amen.
revPACman 