In the wake of the new play Nye which stars Michael Sheen as Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, the big question is what is the deal? Why is this so important?
Aneurin Bevan was the minister of heath for the labour party of 1945 and he was the man who gave the UK the NHS. His goal was to give free healthcare to all Britons at point -of-need, which included free treatment, medicine, medical diagnosis and included dental and ophthalmic (eye) treatment. Brian Brivati said to the Aneurin Bevan society: “Bevan was now in charge of 2,688 hospitals in England and Wales. It was the decision to nationalise the hospitals that made the profound difference in the structural change brought about by the creation of the NHS. This decision was Bevan’s and its implementation was down to his skill, patience, and application as a minister. It is the most significant and lasting reform in the history of the Labour party, and it was achieved by one man. The survival of the NHS is testament to Bevan’s ability and vision as a minister …”
The history of NHS is extremely important and should be celebrated but this play may help divert more eyes to the current problems of the NHS. The NHS is current extremely underfunded by the government and they are hugely understaffed thus people are turning to private to get direct but expensive help. These problems have caused strikes in august of 2023 which one junior doctor said “We’re understaffed and underpaid, and why would you want to stay in that situation?” There is a call for change and with the up-and-coming general election there is an urge to try and help the NHS.
The play is available to watch live till 11 May 2024 in the Oliver theatre London and broad cast all over the country in theatres and cinemas.
By Alice Yr9
Boston High School Newsroom