(CC) licensed:swissdave

NHS Young again at 60

The NHS 60th celebrations kicked off positively at the Wembley Arena on Tuesday 1st July, sponsored by the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement.

This was certainly an event not to be missed. The Practive Theatre Group's Reflection of the NHS put a very human face to our much loved though equally maligned health service.

The patient centric nature of healthcare often seems forgotten in the financial and administrative debates that absorb the politicians.

Lord Darzi's keynote address highlighted the salient points from his NHS Next Stage Review, which firmly places patient safety, well being and quality of care at the heart of the NHS, which is exactly where it should be.

The report has been warmly welcomed by several NHS agencies, whose role will be to initiate many of these recommendations.

"There can be no physical health without mental health" was the line that made me sit up and listen. However I would also argue the difficulty in maintaining good mental when faced with the diseases of modern Britain, often caused by the poor life style choices that lead to obesity, drug or alcohol misuse.

Though turning the emphasis on prevention and maintaining mental health, rather than on the negative, doom-laden mental illness and cures is still a positive step.

The Mental Health Foundation has found Lord Darzi's commitment to keeping people both physically and mentally well is particularly encouraging.

Likewise Martin Fletcher, Chief Executive at the National Patient Safety Agency said: "Lord Darzi strongly affirms the place of patient safety at the heart of a 21st century NHS … We look forward to working closely with the NHS on these important safety developments." As do we all.

Here's looking forward a healthy, patient focused NHS.