Dan Aldridge MP Marks 77 Years of the NHS with Hospital Visit to Celebrate Staff and Legacy
- Dan Heley
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Weston's MP Dan Aldridge paid tribute to the dedication and legacy of NHS staff in Weston and across the country as the National Health Service celebrates its 77th anniversary.
To mark the occasion, Dan Aldridge visited University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, where he met with a team of dedicated nurses, some of whom have been serving the community since the 1980s. Together, the group he met represented over 300 years of combined NHS service.
“It was incredibly moving to speak with these amazing professionals,” said Dan Aldridge MP. “They’ve seen the NHS evolve over decades ,from smoking wards and whisky on patient charts to today’s cutting-edge, life-saving treatments. Through it all, they’ve shown unwavering commitment to their patients and to the values of the NHS.”
During the visit, the team shared reflections on how the service has changed, the current pressures they face, and their hopes for the future. Mr Aldridge also discussed the recently launched 10-Year Health Plan and stressed the importance of ensuring frontline voices are central to future decisions.
“I was born in an NHS hospital, and I’ll never forget that this service was built on the principle that care should be based on need, not wealth,” Aldridge continued. “That principle is as vital now as it was in 1948 ,and I will always stand against those who want to dismantle it or turn it into a means-tested system.”
Dan Aldridge MP also took a moment to view a leaflet from the original opening of the Weston hospital, a reminder of the rich history of public healthcare in the town.
He paid special thanks to the nursing team he met on the day ,Julie, Paula, Jo, Glenda, Clara, Michaela, Kelli, Carina and Dave ,and extended his gratitude to NHS staff across the country for their compassion, resilience, and daily dedication.
“The NHS isn’t perfect, and nobody knows that better than its staff. But when we support them, invest in their future, and listen to what they tell us, we keep the NHS strong and true to its founding mission. Here’s to protecting and strengthening the NHS for the next 77 years ,and beyond.”
Dan Aldridge MP has pledged to keep Weston's voice at the heart of NHS reform, and to continue championing investment, workforce support, and sustainable care for the future.
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