Labour wishes the NHS a happy birthday - Johnson

Alan Johnson MP, Labour's Health Secretary, has wished the National Health Service a happy sixtieth birthday and paid tribute to the hard work and devotion of NHS staff past and present:

"For the last 60 years the National Health Service has been there for everyone, whenever we've needed it. The NHS is one of Britain's best-loved institutions, and perhaps Labour's greatest achievement, but it would be nothing without its staff.

"It's truly humbling to see the dedication and skill of NHS doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, and it's inspiring to hear patients' stories of how the NHS has changed their lives. This is a very happy sixtieth birthday for the NHS. I want to thank all staff, past and present, and especially those who are on duty today: you have made our wonderful health service what it is."

Labour is running a special campaign to thank NHS staff for their work - 'Proud of the NHS at 60'. The centrepiece of Labour's campaign is a request to the public to nominate for thanks NHS staff and services that have touched their lives. Today Labour MPs and councillors are taking part in celebrations to mark 60 years since the NHS' foundation on 5th July 1948, by then Labour Health Secretary Aneurin Bevan.

Comedian Jo Brand said:

"I worked in the NHS in the Eighties, and it was a right balls up. And as a former mental health nurse, it's good to see Labour taking nurses seriously; keep listening or you never know where a thermometer might end up."

Lesley Fisher,who joined the NHS in the 1960s and lives in Tottenham, said:

"This is a very happy day, not just for celebrating the NHS' last 60 years but also for the NHS' future. I've worked in the NHS for years, and there's been a real difference with Labour. The services and conditions have really improved: they're better now than ever before. Here's to another 60 years of the NHS and free care for all."