Health Minister celebrates NHS anniversary with patients

Health Minister Lord Howe has met patients and staff at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital today (5th July) to mark the 64th anniversary of the NHS.

The Minister visited Knapton Ward which cares for older patients where he enjoyed tea and a celebratory cake with patients. Lord Howe also met hospital leaders and governors, plus patient representatives from Age UK and Norfolk LINks, to find out how a programme of external inspections had improved standards of care for patients. The Minister also heard details of how patients are able to give their views about their experience in hospital through a new patient experience survey.

Health Minister Earl Howe said:

“Today we celebrate 64 years of our National Health Service and its staff who go above and beyond their normal duties every day.

“The NHS is valued across the country and recognised throughout the world. Today, I have celebrated the 64th birthday of the NHS with patients and staff at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. I have been privileged to see for myself the fantastic work staff do here every day on the Knapton Ward. The passion and dedication they show in caring for their patients is a credit to the NHS.”

NNUH Chairman David Prior said: “The NHS is a uniquely British success story, few organisations have survived and flourished for as long as 64 years. At a time of so much political, economic and financial uncertainty it is doubly important that we hold true to the founding principle of the NHS, that healthcare should be available to all, free at the point of delivery, regardless of the ability to pay. I am so proud to work at the NNUH and to be a part of the NHS.”