On the 72nd birthday of our NHS, Jeff Smith MP has paid tribute to the NHS staff who have put themselves on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic.

In 1948, rebuilding from the devastation of World War Two, the Labour Government created our National Health Service. Today, the NHS remains one of the UK’s most important and most valued institutions. 

Across the country, people are being encouraged to celebrate the NHS’s 72nd birthday and thank NHS Heroes for their support during the coronavirus pandemic with a nationwide clap at 8pm today (Sunday 5th July).

Jeff has also added his name to Labour’s Thank You card for our NHS Heroes. If you would like to sign the card, it can be accessed here.

Speaking about the anniversary, Jeff said:

“The creation of the NHS remains to this day to be Labour’s finest achievements. 

The founding principles of the NHS – that everyone, regardless of their background, should be able to access high quality care that is free at the point of use – are as important today as they were 72 years ago. 

The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated beyond anything else the extraordinary hard work and dedication of NHS staff. They do so much to make our health service one to be proud of and deserve our respect, admiration and support.

However, the crisis has also highlighted the sustained underfunding of the NHS. In order to properly recognise the work of NHS staff for the dedication they bring to their jobs, the government should commit to proper investment in the NHS to ensure staff have the resources they need to cope.”