SIXTY years ago, if you needed a cataract operation on your eye it would have meant a week of immobility. But in today's NHS it takes just 20 minutes.

The NHS South West has been celebrating this and many other achievements over the last 60 years since it was created.

"The NHS is as relevant in 2008 as it was in 1948, and it is admired around the world," said Sir Michael Pitt, chairman of NHS South West.

"I am proud to work as part of the NHS in the South West and would like to thank all staff for their commitment and skill, without which we would not be in the current strong position to move forward and deliver our exciting ambitions for the future."

NHS South West today oversees a budget of £7.5 billion, which is used to care for a growing population of 5.1 million people in the region.

In Gloucestershire the NHS helped 3,000 people give up smoking with their support service last year and they screen around 52,000 patients for breast cancer each year.

In 1948 the first child to survive a caesarean section birth was born at Southmead Hospital, in Bristol - today it is a regularly used operation for mothers struggling with a natural birth.

NHS South West has set out an ambitious programme of improvements as part of its draft strategic framework for improving health in the South West 2008-11.

This includes matching the highest life expectancy in Europe, reducing deaths from cancer, heart disease and strokes, tackling childhood obesity and smoking and reducing waiting times even further.

Sir Ian Carruthers, chief executive of NHS South West, said: "With a relentless focus on what matters to patients, carers, members of the public and NHS staff, we are committed to taking the lead locally, nurturing excellence and innovation, and delivering not only a high quality and safe service that surpasses all national targets, but one which ranks alongside the very best in Europe."