The 70th anniversary of the NHS is being celebrated.
Our National Health Service, launched by Aneurin Bevan on 5 July 1948, was a marvellous innovation and the country owes a great debt to its founders and those who work so hard within it.
Computers to replace doctors?
But the system is very much under strain. The government has promised a huge injection of cash, and the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt (who attended the Westminster prayer breakfast addressed by Tim Keller – see report here) has announced plans to keep NHS staff up to scratch on the latest healthcare technology. Recently the company Babylon hit the headlines with claims that its robots are better at diagnosing illnesses than most GPs. Dr Ali Parsa, CEO of the company, claims: ‘Babylon’s latest artificial intelligence capabilities show it is possible for anyone, irrespective of their geography, wealth or circumstances, to have free access to health advice that is on par with top-rated practicing clinicians.’
The re-emergence of heavy shepherds
What would you think if you received a letter from your church leaders that read like this? ‘Are church members …