Tributes to the NHS on its 75th anniversary

People are paying tribute to the NHS on what is its 75th anniversary.

One of them is Carol Potter, chief executive of NHS Fife.

Another one paying tribute is Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Ann Somerville.

She insists the Scottish Government is working to protect the NHS and the people it cares for.

It may be a special day for the health service but some are asking questions about its future.

A new survey's found almost half of people in Britain think the care it provides will get worse in the coming years.

Shirley-Anne Somerville says she's concerned about the years to come.

Health secretary Michael Matheson praised the extraordinary efforts of those involved with the NHS.

He said: “We are fortunate beyond words to have a National Health Service free at the point of need for every single one of us. Looking around the globe, it is clear that what we accept as a basic human right is not enjoyed by the majority of the world’s population.

“On this day, the 75^th anniversary of our NHS, I cannot express enough how grateful I am to the people who have delivered this extraordinary service through all these years.

“Working in the NHS has not always been easy – particularly during the covid pandemic, but along with their colleagues in social care, NHS staff worked in tremendously difficult circumstances to care for those who needed them. Together they saved countless lives and their contribution will never be forgotten.

“With the continued support of people across the country, and the unwavering dedication of NHS staff, I have no doubt the NHS will be celebrating many more anniversaries in the years to come.”

Stagecoach is also giving away a year's free travel to healthcare workers.

Its running a competition on social media and asking people to nominate someone who works for the NHS who will be put into a prize draw.

Harriet Hughes-Payne, sales and marketing director for Stagecoach said: “The NHS are a key to our local communities, and we are proud to serve staff and patients across the country, helping them get to their appointments or jobs supporting the NHS.  

“We wanted to mark this occasion by offering a token of our appreciation to someone who works for the NHS by gifting them a year’s free travel and we look forward to finding out who the deserving winner will be.”