NHS 70: What you had to say about our NHS

“I know we pay for it through taxes but without the NHS we would have to pay extortionate prices.

“I’m from Cheltenham originally but they are absolutely amazing in Wales, so much better. I’ve been here 30 years and had all my kids in Welsh hospitals.”

HANNAH Proctor, 29, of Newport

“I find that the NHS is really good. “My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and NHS staff were very quick to act on it. “Hers was quite an aggressive type of cancer but doctors and nurses were really brilliant as soon as they found it.”

Jeane Ives, 84, from Cwmcarn

“I think the NHS is good for the country, Mr Bevan did a good job. “Free healthcare for the country is marvellous. “My great grandson had serious surgery when he was only a few weeks old, he was born with a liver problem. “He was looked after well in Gwent and then transferred to Birmingham as they specialise in liver problems. “He’s 10 now and fine! He had check-ups every so often but is completely fine now. “I’ve had my spells and I’ve feel like the Royal Gwent is very good. I know they’re up against the wall right now, with staffing problems and A&E, but they do a good job. “I’ve got two nieces as nurses, one in the Gwent and one in the Heath, and they love what they do.”

Daniel James, 27, of Rhiwderin

“I smashed up my wrist last year and a paramedic was with me within six minutes. “The NHS is generally good - I was in reconstruction for about 10 hours and surgery nearly as long but my wrist is fine now. The treatment and care was great.”

Michael Green, 38, of Newport

“The NHS means no matter what happens, you always have a safety net. “You know that you can have long term things happen and you’ll be okay. You know that being ill will never make you poor, lose your house or your livelihood. It’s one less thing to worry about. “My brother lives in Sheffield and he has to pay for a yearly pass for asthma medication. The amount he has to pay just to be a normal person is huge. “It all adds up and you think, I’m glad Wales isn’t like that. “The NHS may have flaws but it’s better than the alternative of not having anything.”

“The NHS is just amazing. We are very lucky to have it. “It is being privatised slowly, but in Wales it’s so much better than England. “In England you have to pay around £9 for a prescription but here it’s free - it’s amazing. “I understand it’s underfunded but I’d always he happy to pay more if the government was more transparent about where the money went.”

Gary J Sutcliffe, 39, of Newport

“THE NHS is fantastic and it needs to be kept, and if that means more taxes then I’m happy - that’s fine,” says . The 39-year-old added: “Individual hospitals and experiences there is what the NHS is about, I’ve had negative experiences but also good ones. “I have been in the Gwent a few times with bumps and scrapes and it’s been great. “What would we be without the NHS? America? A place where no one can afford healthcare?”

Reliah Juhoor, 32

“The NHS paediatric care is fantastic. “I’ve gone private for personal issues but had my three children at NHS hospitals and they were fabulous. “The maternity care was lovely. It was a bit difficult with my first baby but staff were very supportive. “And when my children are sick, they are well looked after.”

Marcus Drummond, 23, of Newport

“To me the NHS is like being given a chance to receive treatment for an injury or disease no matter how much money you make. “Not everyone can afford private health care, but that doesn’t mean their lives have any less value. “We hear a lot about all the cuts to the NHS and it’s quite sad. “The NHS saves lives every day, so we should do what we can to make sure it has the funding and staff it needs to keep benefiting this country.”

Edna Burdett, 92, of Caerwent Road, Cwmbran


“I started as a nurse in Swansea in 1952. “My husband and I moved here when he started working in Llanwern. “I became a sister at a hospital, and worked on Rowan ward and then medical wards. “The NHS gave me some of the happiest years of my life. It is still important in my life.

“I have just lost my niece, who lived in Australia. “Out there you have to pay insurance and it costs a lot of money. “We are very, very lucky that we do not have to.”

Mary Healey, 86, Brynhyfryd, Croesyceiliog

“I saw at first hand the wonders that the NHS provides.
“One of the best things about the NHS is that it turns people’s lives around. “We are so fortunate to have it. “I come from Ireland and they have to pay for everything there. My brother had to pay 70 euros for a blood test.”

Cllr Matthew Evans, 54, of Newport

“Sitting in A&E when the children were younger was never one of my favourite pastimes
“But the staff were always incredibly helpful and attentive.
“On a personal note, when I was admitted with pneumonia I couldn’t fault the professionalism and dedication of all who worked there.
“The NHS is part of our history and culture, here is to the next 70 years.”

Gerald Sims, 64, Cwmbran

"I owe the NHS a lot. They took care of me when having my prostate removed. “They were very helpful, and they spoke to me every day, making sure I was ok. “They always asked me if I needed anything. “There was a student from Spain who was very comforting. “The NHS is important because you can get good treatment without having to worry about payment, which can cause you more stress. “I have nothing but praise for all the NHS staff.”

Nicolas Webb, 38, of Newport

“A LIFE-SAVER, a hopegiver, a service based on people’s needs not their privilege.
“We owe the NHS our thanks, but also our attention, to ensure it is sustainable for generations to come."