大象传媒

July 5th 1948, one of the most significant dates in Britain鈥檚 history: The NHS was born. Responsible for its launch was The Health Secretary at the time, Aneurin Bevan

Trafford General, known then as Park Hospital in South Manchester, was chosen by Bevan as the official venue for the launch of the NHS on 5th July itself. Bevan used it to demonstrate that, for the first time, all health provision was under one roof, free for all at the point of delivery.

Dr Bill Stephens has had a 46 year career in the NHS, and even now is only semi-retired. He recalls how Nye Bevan chose Trafford General for the launch.

鈥淚t was relatively new in 1948. It looked absolutely magnificent and that was the impression that the Attlee government wanted to give of this new NHS, which you have to remember was only three years after [World War 2] finished - such an extraordinary thing to do - just three years after hostilities and they were embarking on this amazing new health system.鈥�

Fast forward to today: Trafford General specialises in orthopaedic surgery, diabetes care and stroke rehabilitation.

Among the 800 staff at Trafford General - of all faiths and none - Songs of Praise has spoken to Christians who see a clear link between the values of the NHS and their personal faith.

Dr Ajith George, Consultant Endocrinologist: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a practical faith, so it鈥檚 more than just what you read in the Bible, it鈥檚 what you practise on a day to day bass that鈥檚 important for me. And you have to look at the holistic picture, and treat the person rather than a disease.鈥�

Helen George, Head of Nursing at Trafford General: 鈥淎s a nurse for me, and as a Christian as well, the values and beliefs that I have absolutely marry in with our commitments to our patients. Dignity and care is what we stand for. And the notion that we can do that to serve our patients makes me feel really proud.鈥�

While Songs of Praise was filming at Trafford General, we met 92 year old patient Verena Crossley, recovering from a stroke, who can still remember life before the NHS.

鈥淢y mother paid the local doctor sixpence a week in case we needed any treatment.鈥�

Verena also recalls when the NHS came into being. 鈥淲e were all so pleased. If we needed any treatment, we could have it, which we thought was absolutely marvellous.鈥�

Verena, who herself is a retired nurse, has nothing but praise for today鈥檚 staff at Trafford General. 鈥淚鈥檝e had excellent care. They are great. All the nurses are so kind. They鈥檒l do anything.鈥�

鈥淪ongs of Praise NHS 70th鈥� is on 大象传媒 One at 13.30 Sunday 1st July.

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