NHS 75: London landmarks to light up blue
Events are taking place across the country to mark the anniversary
Last updated 5th Jul 2023
As the capital marks the 75th anniversary of the NHS, buildings, historic monuments and other landmarks across London are lighting up blue this evening.
Other buildings across the country are expected to follow suit, including Liverpool’s Liver building, Blackpool Illuminations Arches, and Nottingham Castle.
The NHS are encouraging people to take photos and share them via social media using the hashtags: #NHS75 and #LightUpBlue.
The full list of landmarks lighting up blue for the NHS in London:
Alexandra Palace
Barnet General Hospital
Battersea Power Station
British Medical Association House
BT Tower
Charlton Athletic Football Club
City Hall
Department of Health and Social Care, Victoria Street
ExCeL London
HMS Belfast
House of Commons
London Eye
North Middlesex University Hospital
One Canada Square
Piccadilly Lights
Royal College of Nursing headquarters
Somerset House
The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges
The National Theatre
The OXO Tower
The Shard
Tower Hamlets Town Hall
Trafalgar Square and fountains
University Hospital Lewisham
Waterloo Station Clock
Wembley Stadium
History of the NHS:
NHS is established
The National Health Service was formally established in 1948 at what is now Trafford General Hospital in Manchester. The service was started by Aneurin Bevan under the government of Clement Atlee. Its aim was to create a system of free healthcare to all. One of the first patients was Sylvia Diggory, aged 13, who was suffering from a liver condition.
Prescription charges introduced
Soon after its inception, charges for prescriptions and dental care were introduced. Each prescription would cost one shilling, while dental care would require a £1 payment. Charges would eventually be dropped and then reinstated in 1968.
NHS discoveries
Throughout the 1950s, thanks to the pioneering technology the NHS was using, a number of medical advancements were made. Polio vaccinations were rolled out in the UK, the structure of DNA was found and the link between smoking and cancer was proven.
Treating new diseases
As time went on and the NHS grew, so did its capacity to look after those who were unable to be treated before. The Mental Health Act in 1983 was the first time the concept of consent was raised in treating those with mental health issues. Nurses also treated people suffering from AIDS in the late 1980s and, together with the government, helped to reduce the stigma of the disease, which primarily affected gay men.
Opening to the public
In order to cope with the increasing demand for the NHS, the structure of the service changed. In 1991, NHS Trusts were established in the first of a wave of reorganisation for the service. People would later be able to donate organs more easily with the introduction of the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Stretched resources
In the 21st century, the NHS came under pressure as a result of stretched resources. With the rising cost of medicines, the government voted to bring in longer working hours and minimal increases in pay for NHS staff in 2015. This resulted in a mass picket of junior doctors around the country for better working conditions. It was the first general strike in the NHS' history and the first instance of industrial action in 40 years. There have been further strikes in 2023
NHS during coronavirus
In 2020, a new disease named COVID-19 began to spread around the world, eventually reaching the UK at the end of January. The resulting pandemic led to NHS workers being on the frontline of the disease. Support for the NHS grew massively and during lockdowns, so-called "Claps for Carers" would take place every Thursday to thank the NHS and its staff for protecting the public during the pandemic.