NHS receives messages of thanks and support on its 68th birthday

The service was launched by Nye Bevan on 5 July 1948

A young boy wears a t-shirt which reads 'I Love The NHS' during a march organised by the Trades Union Congress on October 18, 2014 in London, England. (Mary Turner/Getty Images)

The National Health Service (NHS), which was launched on 5 July 1948, is now 68 years old.

The experimental and ambitious service was launched by the then Health Secretary Aneurin 'Nye' Bevan at Manchester's Park Hospital (now known as the Trafford General Hospital). It promised reliable healthcare for all in Britain, that was affordable for all and financed by taxes.

The very first NHS patient was Aneira Thomas. Named after Bevan, she as born at one minute after midnight on 5 July 1948 in Carmarthenshire.

When it was launched the NHS was the first time that hospitals, doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, opticians and dentists were united under one umbrella organisation. It had an initial budget of £437 million. Today, the NHS in England deals with more than 1 million patients every 36 hours, and employs more than 1.5 million people across the UK. Its budget now stands at approximately £116 billion.

People have taken to social media to wish the NHS a happy birthday, and share messages of thanks and support. They have also posted their memorable experiences working for the service.

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