Its a sobering thought that the year in which the Factory Act - which established a 56-hour working week and forbade children from being used as chimney sweeps was also the year that Patients Aid Association (now known as Paycare) was formed in Wolverhampton.
Founded in 1874 by a group of Victorian factory foremen at the Royal Hospital, Wolverhampton (Above Photograph taken circa 1960 - Where it all began) to help workers afford medical bills, at a time when there was no National Health Service, the organisation is this year marking its 140th anniversary.
In this 21st Century world, its interesting to reflect that an idea born in the 19th Century still offers valuable assistance to people living in a much different world.
Modern healthcare cash plans, though a little different to the Victorian versions, still provide a vital service to a huge number of people today. The same ethics have stood the test of time and cash plans continue to provide valuable assistance to both individual (direct) policyholders and companies (corporate).
As was the case nearly a century and half ago, people today are turning to healthcare plans to help them survive the financial burden of maintaining health and well being. For businesses, corporate cash plans can help keep workforces fit and healthy and reduce absenteeism in the workplace. Furthermore they are regarded by employees as a highly valued benefit.
The longevity and appeal of cash plans is one of the main reasons why Paycare is still serving its customers after 14 decades.
To celebrate Paycares special milestone, Chief Executive, Kevin Rogers is planning commemorative events this year which will culminate in a special celebration dinner at Hagley Hall on 17th November, exactly 140 years after its formation.
Explaining further, Mr Rogers said: Everyone associated with Paycare is proud of our heritage and the fact that the principles that were established by our forefathers still hold true.
As a not for profit organisation, we are able to use any profit that is accrued to support the Paycare Charity Trust which has, to date donated almost £2 million in grants for equipment and amenities for medical research and the recovery of patients in hospitals, hospices and registered charities involved in medical and special needs.
For more information visit www.paycare.org.