The best birthday present for the NHS

03/07/2008

Commenting as she visited to give blood at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service at its Lauriston Place Donor Centre in Edinburgh, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said:

"I am delighted to be here today, to help celebrate the 60th birthday of our NHS. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is such a vital part of this country's most wonderful institution, the National Health Service.

"I pay tribute to the work carried out by its dedicated staff and the vital and selfless donations made by members of the public who together save lives each and every day.

"I am taking this opportunity to give blood and later I will sign an organ donor card. These are the best birthday presents I can give as we celebrate the NHS@60.

"The fact we have a health service that takes care of everyone - whatever their needs, backgrounds and circumstances - is one of the greatest gifts we enjoy as citizens and a gift that we should, if we can, repay."