The National Health Service is turning 70 on 5 July 2018 and why we’re celebrating!

I have to start by laying my cards on the table - I have a soft spot for the NHS!

Since starting my career many years ago as a nurse working in the NHS I’ve experienced so much of what is great about our National Health Service. The training I received, the support from senior staff, the lifelong friends and the opportunities to expand my knowledge.

Then as I moved into the world of pharma over thirty years ago, I’ve also seen the important role that the NHS plays in drug development and getting drugs to patients as quickly, safely and fairly as possible.  I have witnessed first-hand huge progress and positive outcomes for patients with breast cancer, haematological cancers, HIV and so many other medical conditions.

On a personal level, having delivered two very premature babies, I will always be so grateful for the expertise and care my daughters received from the NHS, now allowing them to live happy and healthy lives.

My current role at MediComm allows me to be involved in both NHS and Pharma through the training programmes and forums we organise for specialist nurses, patient engagement forums, patient advocacy groups, developing patient materials and generally trying to bridge the gap between the two.

So yes, it’s not a perfect system and like all large organisations there is always room for improvement, but the NHS has played such a pivotal role in my life and my career, as well as the drugs I have played my part in developing, that I will always be grateful.

So, Happy Birthday to the NHS and best wishes to all those that have and continue to make it great.

Helen Bishop, Managing Director