Closed petition A Bank Holiday to Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the NHS

Closed on 15 March 2023

2023 is the 75th Anniversary of the NHS and we are calling for a national day of celebration on Mon 3rd July. An extra BH to mark this historic achievement, with special events, local celebrations and a focus on the health and wellbeing of the Nation would be a fitting tribute to the NHS.

On 5th July 1948 following the 1942 Beveridge Plan that recommended “comprehensive health and rehabilitation services” the NHS was launched by Aneurin Bevan under the premiership of Clement Atlee.

The principles included funding from general taxation, everyone being entitled to treatment including visitors to the country and to be provided free at the point of delivery. The fundamental basis of the provision was to provide free medical, dental and nursing care from the cradle to the grave.