July 5, 1948 marks a proud moment in British history.
It was on this day that the first National Health Service (NHS) hospital opened its doors to the public. The facility in Davyhulme, Manchester, heralded a new post-war era of free healthcare for all, regardless of income.
Nurses at what was then known as Park Hospital, now Trafford General, lined up outside, forming a guard of honour as Minister for Health, Aneurin 'Nye' Bevan, arrived to inaugurate the NHS.