GMB Scotland in NHS and SAS: 75th Birthday
Today marks the 75th anniversary of the birth of our National Health Service. From the cradle to the grave, NHS staff have cared for and treated generation after generation. It has acted as a bedrock of our society serving everyone according to their need – not their ability to pay.
Without you, Scotland’s frontline healthcare staff, the NHS would not exist. It’s the porters, caterers, cleaners, nurses, radiologists, paramedics, ambulance workers and so many more who provide the vital care that people need both improving and saving lives.
This is no truer than during the pandemic. COVID-19 was the by far the toughest challenge our NHS has faced since its foundation. You saw the worst of the pandemic. But in the face of that adversity, you represented the best of it. NHS staff were there when our sickest needed you most. When people were separated from their families, you were there for them. The compassion and care you gave during the depths of the pandemic is unrivalled.
The pandemic has not been the only challenge of recent times. Austerity attacked services and stripped them to the bone. You not only provide those services, you have protected them.
You stood firm against the tide of cuts; and fought and won to protect the NHS and improve pay, terms and conditions that reflects the value you give to the communities you serve.
The unprecedented mandate you achieved for strike action was a clear demonstration of the will of NHS workers – not that it was ever in doubt. It sent a clear message to politicians and directors that you know your worth and were prepared to take action to secure it. This was not an act of self-interest. It was an act of compassion and solidarity to protect the services on which so many rely. As well as securing the NHS for future generations of patients, it secured it for the future generations of NHS workers who have yet to put on their uniforms.
But we know that neither austerity or the pandemic have subsided. Today should therefore not only be a milestone for our NHS, it should be a milestone for those who work in it.
It marks a point from which you can reflect and build on your victories to deliver value for yourselves and secure a future for our NHS for the generations of patients and workers to come.
People across Scotland owe you a debt of gratitude. Many owe you their lives. On behalf of members across GMB Scotland: thank you.
Karen LeonardGMB Scotland Organiser
Posted: 5th July 2023