Star comment: Taking the pulse of our NHS

As time has moved on, and as other nations have emerged, we’ve gradually slipped from view. We’re no longer likely to win a football World Cup, win the most golds at the Olympics, export goods and services around the world, or maintain a democracy that is the envy of nations around the world.

Over a period of time, and particularly in recent years, we’ve fallen further and further down the pecking order.

And yet, against that backdrop, one achievement continues to reign supreme. The NHS, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, is among the finest health care systems in the world.

Founded on the basis that health care should be free to those who need it, it has helped to save millions of lives, it has extended the lives of millions more, and it has helped to retain the dignity and comfort of others.

The challenges facing the NHS, however, have increased in recent years. Underfunding, chaotic organisation, a postcode lottery and a lack of commitment from a number of Governments have left the organisation creaking at the seams.

There have been strikes, delays, errors, and worse as the NHS has sought to come to terms with under-investment, over-expectation, a lack of political will and changes to the services that are offered.

A debate about the future of our NHS, and also of our system of social care, is long overdue. The nation must be realistic that it is a difference between what we want and what we need, and that we may have to pay more through taxation for a better healthcare system.

The NHS, three generations on, has exceeded expectation and over-delivered on the ambitions of its founders. Yet there are huge challenges ahead.

The era of Covid was one in which NHS staff became national heroes, so much so that many of us stood on our doorsteps to applaud their efforts, recognising the sacrifices that were being made.

We are in a period where things are supposed to be fine, where the winter issues that cause services to be overwhelmed are some months down the line. And yet doctors, nurses, ambulance workers and ancillary crews remain over-worked and fatigued.

If the NHS is to survive another 75 years, considerable improvements and commitment will be required. For now, we are grateful for all it has done.