POLITICAL and financial arguments could wreck the future of the National Health Service, the Bishop of Blackburn has warned.

Speaking at a special thanksgiving service to mark the 50th anniversary of the NHS yesterday, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters said healthcare was under threat from "sin and selfishness".

He said more attention should be paid to patients' needs to turn the spotlight away from "wrangling" between the government and health service providers over funding.

And he urged health authority and trust employees who attended the service at Blackburn Cathedral not to lose sight of the vision of an "NHS for all".

The Bishop's comments came amid weekend celebrations of the NHS's half century across East Lancashire, including an exhibition at the Cathedral.

He said: "So often when we hear about the NHS it seems to turn on money and political discussion, not to say wrangling, as politicians, trusts and their managers seek to deploy limited resources.

"This is bound to be the case as long as human sin and selfishness make some people reluctant to share their financial resources more generously. "Some demand more in terms of healthcare than can reasonably be provided so long as there is waste in the service itself."

He added: "The NHS enabled Britain to lead the world in the offer of medical care to all its citizens, irrespective of wealth, class or creed.

"Let us not forget that the founders' vision in 1948 of medicine-for-all was not inspired by money, but by the needs of ordinary people."

The service, organised by East Lancashire Health Authority, was also attended by county civic leaders and dignitaries.

Lord Taylor represented the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire at the hour-long service and the High Sheriff of Lancashire also attended along with the Provost of Blackburn, the Very Rev David Frayne.

The Archdeacon of Blackburn, the Venerable John Marsh, made the introduction before health authority chief executive David Peat gave the packed cathedral a potted history of healthcare in the last 50 years.

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