Phillipson: “Help shape the NHS for the next 66 years”

Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson, has called on professionals and patients to take part in a listening event to help shape the future of the NHS as the service turns 66 years old this Saturday (5th July 2014).

The listening event held by the Care Quality Commission will support the inspections of both Sunderland City hospital and GPs. The event will be held later in the year on 16th September 2014 at 6:30pm at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR5 1SU.

Health care professionals and patients can learn more online via the CQC website:
http://www.cqc.org.uk/content/sunderland-gps-and-city-hospitals-sunderland-nhs-foundation-trust-listening-event-16

Bridget Phillipson MP has praised the work of the NHS on its 66th anniversary. The National Health Service came into existence on 5th July 1948 when the National Health Service Act 1946 came into effect.

A recent study by the Commonwealth Fund found the NHS to be number 1 in providing healthcare out of 11 developed nations including the US, Sweden and Switzerland.

Bridget Phillipson MP said:

“The NHS has a proud and long history. Labour’s belief that healthcare is a right and not a privilege is as important now as it was when we founded the NHS.

“The challenges of the last 66 years will not be the same in the years to come. Issues such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes and hypertension are now becoming the next challenge for our NHS to tackle as we live longer lives.

“Healthcare professionals and patients can have their say by taking part in the listening event hosted by the CQC. Together, we can shape the priorities for the future of the NHS.”