An MP is calling on new NHS facilities to be named after the founder of the health service in 2008 as a way of marking its 60th year.
Labour MP Jim Devine said hospitals should now be named after Nye Bevan to mark the NHS’s anniversary, adding it is a matter of “national shame” few major hospitals have been named after him already.
The Livingstone MP is urging ministers to consider the proposition in a letter to Health Secretary Alan Johnston, and his counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Nye Bevan, who died in 1960, saw the NHS come into force in July 1948, and is viewed as being one of its main architects.
Mr Devine said: “Despite its faults, the NHS is still the Labour movement’s greatest achievement and we should therefore celebrate its upcoming birthday.
“It was Nye’s vision and drive that established the NHS in 1948 and in this special year, new hospitals and healthcare facilities should be named in his honour.”
A Department of Health spokesman said: “The 60th anniversary year marks a significant milestone for the NHS.
“We will be looking at celebrating it in a variety of ways and will consider any suggestions from MPs.”
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