Cancer care has changed radically since the NHS was founded in 1948 when few treatments beyond surgery and primitive radiation therapy existed.
But former Trust clerical officer Beverley Beaumont has seen for herself the big improvements since then.
Husband John, who was an electrician for 13 years at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, was diagnosed this year with bile duct cancer which he’s being treated for at Royal Preston Hospital.
But five years ago, he was diagnosed at Blackpool by Consultant ENT Surgeon Mr Ajay Nigam with an unrelated but very rare lymphoma.
“My mum went for treatment for cervical cancer at The Christie Hospital in Manchester 37 years ago but it was too late and there was nothing they could do,” said Beverley.
“When I with John for his treatment, it was very different – so modern and so improved.”
John was put on a clinical trial for a new drug which successfully put his lymphoma in remission.
“So many more treatments are available nowadays which wouldn’t have been available years ago,” said Beverley. “The NHS saved my husband’s life.”
Beverley started her NHS career in the late 1980s as an x-ray film night filer at the Vic. She then had a series of clerical officer jobs at the old Devonshire Road hospital, an elderly care mental health unit on Shorelands, Central Drive, and finally in medical records at Clifton Hospital, St Annes.
She retired in 2018 with John to look after him following his illness. Their daughter, Kerry, however, keeps up the NHS tradition and is a healthcare assistant at the walk-in centre on Whitegate Drive, Blackpool.
… now share your NHS75 story
We’re counting down the 75 days to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the NHS on 5 July – and Trust colleagues, patients and the local community can all take part.
We also want to hear what you love about the NHS as well as your stories and memories – and thank you to everyone who has been in touch so far.
How has the NHS changed you or your family’s life for the better?
- Do you have pictures of times past at our hospitals and sites you’d like to share?
- Did you have family or friends who were with the NHS at its start in 1948?
- What inspired you to work in the NHS?
- Tell us if you are just one of many generations to work in the NHS
Share your ideas and memories by visiting the My Story section on our NHS75 web pages.