A politician whose family has close links to the NHS has paid tribute to health workers as the service marks its 70th anniversary.


Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South, said he was extremely grateful for the dedication of staff after his brother Derek, 28, suffered a brain haemorrhage last year.


And the SNP man is also thankful for care his other brother Martin, 29, received when he was born prematurely in 1989.
Mr Arthur also has links to the NHS through his parents Tom and Maureen.


His dad worked as an estates officer at Dykebar Hospital, in Paisley, while his mum was a mental health nurse for many years.


Mr Arthur said people often only talk about the NHS when things are going wrong but he is keen to highlight the positive work taking place every day.


He added: “I spoke about the NHS in Parliament last year after my brother collapsed from a brain haemorrhage and my friend and former business partner also sadly passed away from one.


“With my brother, the Royal Alexandra Hospital immediately identified what the problem was and got him transferred to the neurology department at the Queen Elizabeth, in Glasgow.


“He received first-class care there and, three weeks later, he was out and has made a fantastic recovery.


“My other brother was born prematurely around my fourth birthday in 1989, so I’ve seen staff working at both ends of the scale really. He made a full recovery.


“There are amazing things going on in hospitals every day but we only talk about them when things go wrong and I just want to give them the recognition they deserve.


“It’s a tough shift for staff and I’ve obviously been touched personally by their care for my immediate family. They saved both my brothers and I want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”


Mr Arthur is also proud of the work his parents have done to support the NHS.


He said: “My dad basically kept the ship afloat. You don’t realise the inconvenience when a boiler breaks and there’s no hot water or the generator breaks and there’s no electricity.


“My mum was a mental health nurse for 20 years and, before that, she was a district nurse.


“There are many challenges which face the NHS, mental health care being one. I’m pleased with the awareness that’s been raised around mental health and I’m glad people are able to talk about it more but there’s more to do.


“I’m sure the NHS will look very different in 30 or 40 years’ time. It’s certainly come a long way in 70 years.”


Politicians from all over the UK applauded the NHS as it celebrated its 70th birthday, while many nurses and doctors donned vintage dress for the occasion.


To find out more, visit www.nhs70.nhs.uk.