Twenty-five years ago, Mr Blair was seeking re-election for the first time. This endeavour, brought him to Boston Pilgrim Hospital, where he met staff and patients.
In coming to Boston, he became the first incumbent prime minister to visit the town.
He told The Standard: “I've come to see the good, the bad, and the ugly, and to hear from patients and medical staff about what more can be done to improve NHS services. A lot has been achieved so far, but there is still a big job to be done.”
1. Tony Blair visits Boston Pilgrim Hospital in May 2001
Tony Blair posing with staff at Boston Pilgrim Hospital. Photo: Boston Standard
2. Tony Blair visits Boston Pilgrim Hospital in May 2001
Waiting for Tony Blair at Boston Pilgrim Hospital was a scrum of national news media, as well as lines of protestors with placards. Photo: Boston Standard
3. Tony Blair visits Boston Pilgrim Hospital in May 2001
A number of the placards displayed soundbites from Tony Blair, with criticism underneath. '24 hours to save the NHS' was accompanied by 'four years nothing done'; 'education, education, education', meanwhile, was joined by 'failed, failed, failed'. Photo: Boston Standard
4. Tony Blair visits Boston Pilgrim Hospital in May 2001
More of the protestors. Photo: Boston Standard