Chris Mole MP and hundreds of constituents have wished the NHS a happy 60^th birthday.

Chris stood on the Cornhill in Ipswich town centre on Saturday July 5^th – the day of the NHS 60^th anniversary – and encouraged local shoppers to sign a birthday card to one of Britain’s proudest ever achievements.

(* Chris with local councillors David Ellesmere and Mary Blake)

Hundreds of local people signed the card as a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the staff at Ipswich Hospital who make it all possible.

Chris also urged the people of Ipswich to sign up to the “Proud of the NHS Campaign” and share their memories of 60 years of the NHS. They can do so by visiting his website at http://www.chrismolemp.org.uk/nhs_60.

Chris said:

“I believe that the NHS is one of Britain’s proudest ever achievements and it is only right to honour its 60^th birthday by paying tribute to all of the loyal and hardworking staff who keep us healthy day-in-day-out.

“Hundreds of people wanted to sign our card and that shows just how much the health service means to our town.

“The NHS has changed a lot during its 60 years. The publication of the Darzi Review last month – the most comprehensive review of the NHS in decades - reflects the renewed emphasis on a more personal level of care, tailored to the specific needs of families and committed to preventing illness as well as curing it.

“The variety in age of people signing this to wish the NHS a happy 60^th birthday is a testament to the’ cradle to grave’ care that the NHS provides the people of our town.”