We meet the faces of Somerset's NHS as the service prepares to turn 75
Did you know, Chesney Hawkes sent nurses in Wincanton a special message just a few weeks ago?
Last updated 3rd Jul 2023
"Choose your doctor - do this now!"
These were the words that appeared in newspapers, on posters, on the radio and in cinemas ahead of the launch on July 5 1948 of the National Health Service.
"Every man, woman and child can use it," the message continued. "There are no age limits and no fees to pay. You can use any part of it, or all of it, as you wish."
All this week we're marking the NHS turning 75 by meeting and hearing from those in Somerset's health service to share what they do - and why they are so passionate.
Activities' coordinator Sarah-Jayne Ayo says they're like a family at Wincanton Community Hospital
The government in the 1948 organised a massive promotional campaign for the health service, aware that millions of people needed to register before July 5 in order to use the scheme.
"The first thing is to link up with a doctor," the campaign explained. "When you have done this, your doctor can put you in touch with all other parts of the scheme as you need them."
An application form - known as EC1 - had to be filled in for each member of a family, then submitted to any local doctor who had joined the NHS.
Forms were available from post offices, public libraries and local health service headquarters.
Members of the royal family were enlisted to help set an example, with King George VI, his wife the Queen, his older daughter Princess Elizabeth, and her husband Philip, handing their registration forms to the King's physician.
Jim Griffiths, government minister for National Insurance, told a rally of Labour women supporters that July 5 should now be known as "People's Independence from Adversity Day", while Labour MP George Wallace told a separate audience it should be known as "Britain'sIndependence Day".
A different tone was struck by John Edwards, parliamentary secretary to the Ministry of Health.
"No miracle will happen when the new health services start on July 5," he warned an audience.
"There are many out-of-date buildings and shortages in equipment and staff, and there will be 60,000 beds which it will be impossible to use because there are not enough nurses.
"But the fact that perfection cannot be attained at once is no reason for delaying the new service, the nature of which will depend very much on the people who work in it."