The National Health Service (NHS) has been my medical saviour since the day I was born, and this is often the same case for a lot of us who have been privileged enough to receive free healthcare. I remember the countless visits to the GP throughout my childhood; sitting on my father’s lap with my little red book rearing to go, spending hours trying on different glasses in Specsavers and imitating characters to complement each look (all the while my mother stood there judging my sanity). I remember selecting questionable colour combinations for my braces track, to match the unnecessarily bright glasses my siblings convinced me was the most fashionable (they lied). I would attempt bribing the dentist with chocolate to let me off the hook for never wearing my braces, spoiler alert, it did not work and I still did not wear my braces (regret that now). Happy memories of eagerly waiting for the birth of my nieces and nephew in the busy hospital waiting rooms come to the forefront of my mind when I think of the NHS, and those corridors hold sad memories too.

I also have the NHS to thank for supporting me during my studies at university and providing placement opportunities for me to exhibit my theoretical knowledge. When I walk through the wards of my hospital placement I am exposed to the diverse workforce who are committed to providing each patient with high quality care. The vibrancy and optimism contained within the walls of the buildings, that hold an individual significance to each person within it, has always stuck with me. I am reminded constantly of the scope of people that the NHS caters for – it really is something to treasure and appreciate. Often, I think it is a blessing many of us take for granted. We allow the extensive waiting lists, the hustle and bustle of hospital to overwhelm us.

My experience of medical settings around the world however, has given me a new appreciation for the NHS. The stark contrast of walking in to labour rooms with steel beds and equipment lying around, to NHS settings, where everyone sanitises their hands at every turning, is admirable. The smiles and hospitality (pun intended) of the dedicated NHS staff make the queues and waiting rooms comfortable. The inherit sense of compassion and empathy that dominates the NHS make us grateful for its presence. Despite all that goes on in NHS settings, the NHS possess a sweet serenity and familiarity that lingers- giving us all something special to hold on to.

So as we approach the 70^th anniversary of the NHS, I just want to say a massive thank you. For improving the lives of millions, including mine.