| 5 July 2023
On 5 July the NHS turned 75. To mark this special occasion, the team at Skills for Health share what the NHS means to them and why they value about Skills for Health and its role in supporting our treasured national institution.
“A politician recently said that the NHS is the closest thing that Britain has to a state religion. He wasn’t being kind. It isn’t that, but is it is a system that sits at the heart of everyone’s life, from ‘cradle to grave’, one of the original sentiments underpinning the 1948 Act. It’s a manifestation of the best that we can aspire to be as a citizenry.
“Skill for Health no longer sits inside the NHS ‘family’ but remains a close ally, part of the firmament of the service. Skills for Health directly supports the NHS mission and that sits very comfortably with me.”
Jim Moran, Client Director – Learning Solutions
“The NHS is a phenomenal institution. I’ve seen the colossal teamwork that goes into unprecedented events like the pandemic, and the unwavering determination of staff to do the very best that they can despite being overwhelmed and burnt out.
“I have also seen the well-oiled machinery of the NHS mobilise into action when dealing with acute trauma and behind the scenes efforts to keep the cogs of this giant phenomenon turning.
“There is no institution like it. So, for me, the NHS is something to be proud of, something uniquely British that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
“What I value most about working for Skills for Health and its role in supporting the NHS is the work that we get to do to transform the leadership and culture of the NHS and create better health outcomes for all.
“We are at the nucleus of healthcare transformation, with work organisations such as Public Health Wales to transform healthcare from a fragmented set of institutions and services, predominantly treating ill-health, to an integrated system of patients, carers, and communities, building health and well-being together. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Sharon Nash, Senior Consultant
“The NHS is probably this country’s greatest achievement. Stories from my grandparents who ‘feared’ being ill and avoiding calling the doctor, not because of the outcome of the consultation but the bill they’d be presented with after. Illness is not a punishment for those people who can’t afford treatment and having a system where the first question you’re asked is your name, not how do you intend to pay is the hallmark of a society that I want to belong to.
“As a former nurse I still very much think about the delivery of care to people. The work we do at Skills for Health enables the workforce to be developed to provide safe and effective care and supports organisations to make ‘good’ decisions about workforce development priorities. The work we do has an impact at the interfaces of care, and I still feel connected to making people’s lives better and supporting the workforce to be equipped with the capabilities necessary for care.”
Andrew Lovegrove, Senior Workforce Consultant
“It is difficult to imagine how different my world would be if we didn’t have our National Health Service. I’ve worked in the NHS, alongside the NHS and personally used its services. The NHS has been a central part of my life for a very long time. Without doubt it shaped my working life and has influenced the person that I am.
“I feel very fortunate that whilst I no longer provide front-line services, I can still apply all that I learned when working in the NHS to the work that I do with Skills for Health.”
Vicky Yearsley, Senior Manager NOS, Qualifications & Apprenticeships
“To me, the NHS means that no matter who you are, you are able to be cared for and looked after, no matter your wealth. It also represents to me the tireless work every part of the NHS does, from doctors to cleaners, to make sure patients are cared for and helped.”
Louisa Jordan, HR Administrator
“I’m really grateful for the service the NHS provides, they are massively over stretched and work around the clock and still do an amazing job at saving lives. We are incredibly lucky that we have this service for free.
“Skills for Health help to upskill workers and provide solutions across the healthcare workforce like eLearning, rostering and providing support for apprenticeships.
“It’s something that you don’t often think about, all the work it takes in the background to help support the healthcare unless you are working in this sector.”
Nicky Chumber, Finance Analyst
“The NHS has been a huge part of my life since I can remember. My mother was a GP, and my grandmother a Nurse. Growing up I was always aware of how my mum’s job meant she was needed by people. She would have to go on house calls in the middle of the night, or on Christmas Day. As a small child I would hate watching her go, but as an adolescent I started to realise how crucial what she did was, and I’ve felt nothing but pride since.
“Now as a parent myself, I have found I have needed the NHS more than ever before. From my eldest son breaking his arm playing football, to the time my youngest split his head open at school, to last winter when a bout of Croup had my child fighting for breath, the NHS has always been there.
“Working for Skills for Health offers me the opportunity to give something back to all those people, the ones who mended the broken limbs, and wiped away the tears. It also gives me the opportunity to make my own kids proud, knowing that I help to support one of the finest institutions in the world. At Skills for Health, we are dedicated to supporting the workforce who support all of us. I cannot think of a better mission.”
Bryony Nixon, Head of Marketing
“For me the NHS is a true representation of the best of humankind. It is an embodiment of a community working together to contribute to the care for others. The NHS is one of the best things this country has ever created. The heart of the NHS is without doubt the workforce who have been there when I or my family have needed them the most. I am eternally grateful.
“Skills for Health is committed to making a difference and having a positive impact on the NHS. I am proud of the services we offer and value the opportunities to help support the NHS in solving challenges and helping improve the workforce.”
Matt Girdlestone, Client Director
“The NHS comprises the availability of universal health care provision for all UK citizens, regardless of individual circumstances, allowing equality of health care access, whenever it is needed. For me, this means the NHS “has our back” during all of our life stages. It is one of a few entirely publicly-funded healthcare services worldwide and a source of pride for the country. Proper funding and support for the NHS are vital to sustaining its effectiveness and delivering high quality patient care.
“One of my favourite things about working for Skills for Health is the contribution, albeit small, we make to the NHS. Undertaking research that has a direct impact and support on the development, skills and training of the dedicated NHS workforce is rewarding. It is truly inspiring to hear the stories of those working within the NHS and encounter the dedication and compassion they exhibit in their roles. Being able to support the efforts of the NHS staff, even in a small way, is a privilege.”
Brenda Gonzalez, Senior Researcher
Our latest podcast episode of Lovegrove on Health also celebrates the 75th anniversary of the NHS in a special edition. Andrew Lovegrove, Senior Consultant at Skills for Health is joined by special guest John Rogers, Skills for Health Chief Executive. Andrew and John discuss the NHS’ 75th birthday and their own experiences of working within and alongside the NHS. John provides personal highlights on some of the most impactful initiatives Skills for Health has delivered to support the wider health and care workforce and both look at the challenges that lie ahead for the sector and quality service outcomes.