Resources > NHS 60th Anniversary
Our National Health Services 60th Anniversary
A Call to Commemorate and Transform
Reaching the age of 60 is a significant milestone in anyone’s life. During these years much has been learnt from their successes and failures. The energy and enthusiasm of youth may have gone but enough strength remains to use the wisdom and experience they have gained. It is perhaps significant that a diamond with its many facets has been chosen to represent 60 years of marriage.
This year our National Health Service is 60 years old and like the diamond it has a multifaceted history and potential. Initiated with much enthusiasm it has experienced both success and failure during its existence. Much wisdom is needed to find how best to take it forward into the next era. It seems everyone, from politicians, managers, staff and patients, have different opinions as to how this should happen.
For a number of years our National Health Service has been in a state of constant change with frequent crisis. Where in the midst of this should we go for wise counsel and guidance? Colossians chapter 2:3 tells us that “in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’’ and in James Chapter 1:5 we read “if anyone lacks wisdom let him ask of God’’. Healthcare was originally started by Christians seeking to follow the example of Jesus long before the National Health Service was introduced. The wisdom we need to return to is found in the Bible and we want to encourage the Church to raise its voice, getting God’s people to pray for Godly wisdom and righteousness to be restored in Healthcare.
The world of the NHS remains a very challenging place. As Christians we have many opportunities to help shape the present and the future. We are called to be God’s salt and light where He has placed us. While we should do that individually, we can do it better together! It is our prayer that those seeking medical help for their physical, psychological or emotional needs will also receive spiritual care; the opportunity to hear and respond to the eternal hope that only Jesus can give.
