Aneira Thomas, the first baby born in the NHS, was interviewed for the Guardian in an article published on 17 September 2017. In the article, Thomas discusses how she felt about being a 'National Health baby' throughout her childhood, and her views on the NHS and its future today. That this interview was published shows enduring public interest in the 'foundation moment' of the NHS, and also suggests the ways in which being an NHS baby may shape one's personal history and politics.
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This is fascinating. I was an NHS baby in 1952, and my parents met working in the Pathology Department of a Merseyside hospital after the end of the Second World War. I learned about their work whilst growing up, and my mother returned to work when the Cervical Cancer Screeing Service began around 1967 in Lancashire. My parents both died in NHS hospitals, in 2003 and 2015 respectively. My sons were born in NHS hospitals. My family has been served very well by NHS staff from all round the world and we remain very grateful for it.
Born in 1960. In 1974 I became very ill. Various G.Ps claimed there was nothing wrong, despite violent headaches, vomiting and earache. In desperation I was sent to hospital, the eye dept. After extensive eye tests, goldman field of vision etc, there were no c.t. scans and no m.r.i. scans either. A rare tumor was found. I was taken to the neurosurgeon, 30 miles away and operated on. A Craniopharyngioma. Pituitary tumor. I went back to my home hospital after 11 days in recovery and returned to my home the following day. On medication for life and I had lost a lot of eyesight. I had radiotherapy, in it’s infancy then. 44 years later, I am still here. There have been many problems, but I have always been cared for and listened to and respected by N.H.S. staff. I am in debt to them to the tune of millions of pounds.
Now unable to do paid work and with various health problems, I still take the medication. I have written a book and work for a national helpline once a week. Without my Mums persistance and the N.H.S. I would not be here to tell you this!