In this week’s news roundup the NHS marks it’s 70th birthday, and across the world twelve boys in Thailand have been trapped in a cave, and could be for several months to come!
Happy Birthday NHS
The National Health Service (NHS) turned 70 years old on Thursday (5th of July) and it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate all the achievements of one of the nations most essential and well-loved institutes. The NHS began its journey in 1948 when health secretary at the time, Aneurin Bevan launched the service from Park Hospital in Manchester. Over the last 70 years the NHS has completely transformed the health of the UK and is still seen as a unique service and envied across the globe.
The NHS’ founding principle is to provide free high quality health care for all, and it is always evolving and innovating to constantly meet this need. The NHS has provided the people of the UK with advances in medicine and public health, meaning people can expect to live longer lives due to the eradication of diseases such as polio. None of these achievements would be possible without the hard work and dedication of the over 1.5 million staff. Simon Stevens, the NHS England chief executive said:
The reason why the health service does so well is frankly due to the brilliance of the staff … And it’s because of the staff that the nation has just recommitted to the idea of a health service [that is] there when you need us, based on how sick you are, not whether you can afford us – a principle that has stood the test of time.”
On Thursday the staff were celebrated with services hosted by Prime Minster Theresa May at Westminster Abbey, and across the country fundraisers held tea parties to raise money for NHS charities. The NHS celebrates it’s 70th birthday, and hopefully many more to come!
Thailand Cave Rescue
The missing 12 members of a Thai football team were recently found alive and well with their coach in a cave. But, they could be stuck there for months. The football team, which range from ages 11 to 16 are trapped with their coach in the Tham Luang cave in the Doi Nang mountain range. Water levels began to rise whilst the team were inside the cave on an innocent recreational trip, and because of this they are unable to get out and are currently sheltering on a high ledge.
Divers have been able to get to the boys to provide them with food and supplies, but hope of them returning home soon seems to be fading. The Tham Luang cave is six miles long and filled with water; this means access to the boys is limited only to experienced divers. A recent dry spell has meant that authorities have been able to pump out some water from the cave, but with heavy rain fall due again soon the need to get the boys out is becoming ever stronger. There are plans to teach the boys basic diving skills to get them out, and we hope to see them home safe and well shortly.
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