NHS 75 - Three Decades of Service.

This month the NHS turns 75. Vic Deakin from Powys Vic began her working relationship with the NHS as a student in 1988, in this blog Vic tells us what it's been like working with the NHS for over three decades.

Where and when did you first start work for the NHS?

I am an experienced Occupational Therapist with a career spanning over three decades in the National Health Service (NHS). I began my journey as a student in 1988, with placements in various healthcare settings such as neuro and rheumatology wards in Sheffield, Rotherham community services, Kings Way Mental Health hospital, and Burton on Trent general surgery.

Can you tell us about your first role?

After qualifying in 1991, I started my career as a Basic Grade Occupational Therapist. My rotation included working in medical and neuro wards, older people's mental health, acute psychiatry, and community rehabilitation. It was during my time in community rehab services that I developed a deep passion for occupational therapy and its integral role in empowering individuals within the community.

Had you always wanted to work in healthcare?

My interest in healthcare initially sparked through volunteering at the local hospital as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. It was during this time that I encountered an Occupational Therapist who inspired me to pursue a career in the field. Prior to that, I had aspirations of working in hotel services/management.

Life after moving to Powys

Have you had different roles in the NHS since then?

Throughout my career, I have held various roles within the NHS. I worked as a clinical specialist for neuro services in Chesterfield and later moved to Powys in 1994 after marrying a farmer. Within Powys Teaching Health Board, I have taken on roles such as Occupational Therapist Team Lead, Head of Service, and currently serve as the Head of Therapies and Professional Head of Occupational Therapy.

Can you tell us a little bit about your current role?

In my current role, I have the privilege of managing all therapy and Health Scientists within the community service group in Powys Teaching Health Board. It has been a fulfilling learning experience as I gain a deeper understanding of each service's unique contribution to the NHS, while also overseeing specialist services like Lymphedema. Additionally, I provide professional leadership to all occupational therapists in Powys, collaborating with exceptional practitioners in children, adult, and mental health services.

What do you think the benefits of the NHS are?

The benefits of the NHS lie in its commitment to providing the best healthcare services, continually seeking transformation and improvement. Throughout my journey, I have encountered countless inspiring patients and dedicated colleagues who have left a lasting impact on me. From the gentleman who brought a smile to my face on my first day by misplacing his false teeth to the patient who taught me patchwork as part of her desire to return to teaching, these encounters remind me of the human connections forged in healthcare.

Lessons learned from patients.

Do you have any particular  memories or feel good stories that stand out for you? 

The NHS's invaluable aspects lie in its extensive community and its aspiration to deliver equitable healthcare for all. Witnessing the successes of patients and staff alike has been one of the most rewarding aspects of working for the NHS. However, navigating budgetary challenges can also pose significant hurdles.

Are there any aspects of the NHS that you feel are invaluable?

Imagining life without the NHS is unimaginable for me. The comprehensive and accessible healthcare services provided by the NHS are essential, and without it, many individuals would face significant barriers to healthcare, limiting their well-being and quality of life.

What are the most rewarding and the most challenging aspects of working for the NHS?

The NHS's invaluable aspects lie in its extensive community and its aspiration to deliver equitable healthcare for all. Witnessing the successes of patients and staff alike has been one of the most rewarding aspects of working for the NHS. However, navigating budgetary challenges can also pose significant hurdles.

Can you imagine what life would be like without the NHS?

Imagining life without the NHS is unimaginable for me. The comprehensive and accessible healthcare services provided by the NHS are essential, and without it, many individuals would face significant barriers to healthcare, limiting their well-being and quality of life.

If you could wave a magic wand what would you give to the NHS? 

If I had a magic wand, I would grant the NHS unwavering commitment and support to ensure its continued existence and effectiveness for the next 75 years. The NHS's ability to evolve, adapt, and provide exceptional care relies on long-term dedication and resources.

Vic Deakin - three decades of service with NHS. 

Overall, my journey in the NHS has been filled with incredible experiences, remarkable individuals, and a profound sense of purpose in improving lives originally through occupational therapy and now through the wider therapy and health sciences services.

Bevan Baby - 75 years with the NHS.

This month the NHS turns 75. Marilyn Hinks from Powys was born just a couple of weeks after the service started and has grown up with the NHS. She tell us what it's been like to grow up with the NHS.

Can you tell us more about being one of the first NHS babies?

I was born 10 days late on 28th July 1948 at home, in Birmingham

What role did the NHS play for you as a child growing up with the NHS? 

It meant I was able to have all the injections against some awful diseases, such as polio. I saw children at school who had permanent disabilities from polio and, as an adult, can understand the relief my parents felt when the vaccine became available. We had every injection as soon as we could. 

I had to go into hospital to have my tonsils removed and for suspected appendicitis, scary but,again, must have been such an amazing thing for parents to have this care there, free of charge.

What do you think the benefits of the NHS are?

So many. We have grown up with the NHS and can’t imagine how different our lives would have been without it. It helps remove the fear of being ill, while receiving world class care. It means that, whatever your financial situation, you are assured of healthcare. Over 75 years, the benefits to us all must be impossible to calculate but each person has a story of how they have been helped and supported.

The research into diseases continues to help cure people who go on to live happy, successful lives. A benefit to the whole of our society.

Why is the NHS important to you?

Like many of my friends I am reaching a time in life where I may need help from the NHS. It is so reassuring to know that health care is available without the worry of having to have health insurance. On an emotional level it means so much , as seen by the support for the NHS during Covid. It truly is something of which we can all be proud, giving care from”the cradle to the grave”.

Do you have any memorable experiences of being supported by the NHS?

I spent several weeks in hospital prior to the birth of our first baby. I remember sitting watching the second moon landing with the staff before going into theatre. Over the weeks the staff had got to know us all and we felt very blessed to be cared for in a brand new hospital. With their care I gave birth to a healthy baby. 

I have been fortunate to have only had  emergency treatment once. The staff were ready for me when I arrived and immediately started to treat me, avoiding my becoming seriously ill. So grateful.

My beautiful great grandson was critically ill when he was a toddler. The care and support given to him and the family was truly awe inspiring.  We now have a happy, fit and active 6 years old thanks to the NHS.

Are there any aspects of the NHS that you feel are invaluable?

What makes the NHS so special is the availability of care. No one asks for your credit card when you arrive at A&E.

The level of care given to those who need help is second to none and,despite the present issues, the trust that we have  in this remarkable service is based on years of own experiences and those of others. The NHS has changed the health of the country and saved an unknown number from pain and permanent disability.

What challenges do you think face the NHS at the moment?

Undoubtedly, the NHS has many challenges, partly because,as a result of the wonderful care we receive, we have an ageing population that will continue to grow. We have come to expect a high level of care and expectations may have to become more realistic.

The numbers of trained staff will need to be addressed along with the stress levels they experience.

Finance,as always, is an issue and we may have to accept that better care has to be paid for by us all.

Can you imagine what life would be like without the NHS?

Like many countries we would probably have an insurance system, providing excellent services to those who can afford it. This would lead to inequality of healthcare and mean poor care for those who could not afford to pay. Without the last 75 years of the NHS more people would be living with  much poorer health, leading to a much less secure way of life. We have come to expect that every child is protected from life-threatening diseases and that help is available when needed. The NHS has enriched all our lives and without it we would be a much poorer country both financially and economically.

If you could wave a magic wand what would you give to the NHS? 

So much. More money to improve services and shorten waiting lists. Also, money to develop more preventative care so we can all try to stay healthy and not need to use the health service so much.

I would give the respect and thanks it received during covid  as a permanent way of thinking about this amazing service.

I would encourage development of research to prevent and treat  illnesses that are not curable at the moment.

I would give the NHS a great big “Thank you” for being there all my life, caring for us all including my family and friends and say,”Please keep doing what you do best, caring for us all”.