The History of the British National Health Service

[barryqwalsh]

On 5 July 1948, the NHS was launched by the then Health Secretary, Aneurin Bevan, at Park Hospital in Manchester (known today as Trafford General Hospital).

For the first time, hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians and dentists were brought together under one umbrella to provide services for free at the point of delivery.

The last 70 years
Over the last 70 years, the NHS has transformed the health and wellbeing of the nation and become the envy of the world.

The NHS has delivered huge medical advances and improvements to public health, meaning we can all expect to live longer lives.

It is thanks to the NHS that we have all but eradicated diseases such as polio and diphtheria, and pioneered new treatments like the world’s first liver, heart and lung transplant.

In more recent times, we have seen innovations like mechanical thrombectomy to improve stroke survival, bionic eyes to restore sight, and surgical breakthroughs such as hand transplants.

The NHS Choices website includes an overview of the milestones of the NHS in England from its launch in 1948 to the present day.

In addition, the Nuffield Trust has produced an interactive timeline which charts the evolution of the NHS from its inception in the post-war years through to today.

As well as celebrating the NHS’s 70th birthday, 2018 also marks the 70th anniversary of the Empire Windrush arriving at Tilbury Docks, London. Many of the passengers took up roles in the NHS, which launched two weeks later.

Watch the NHS70 highlights video
Watch this short video which shows some of the highlights from the NHS over the last 70 years:

NHS history

 

[TheParser]

I know almost nothing about the NHS, so -- of course -- I am going to comment.

Yes, the creation of the NHS was a wonderful thing for the British people.

After World War II, the British people thanked Winston Churchill and then said,
"Goodbye. We want a socialist government."

For the first time, the British people could get medical care -- for free.

I remember reading that one top socialist leader said that one of his parents had died before World War II because his family was too poor to afford necessary treatment.

Many foreigners who go to the U.K. rave over the fact that if they have a medical problem, they get medical treatment for free.

Congratulations to the British people on their great NHS.

*****

I have heard that in 2018, the NHS is now overwhelmed by many problems. Hopefully, they can be overcome.

 

[barryqwalsh]

BBC Radio 4 - The Moral Maze


The NHS at 70

The Prime Minister Theresa May has announced a 70th birthday 'present' for the NHS: an extra £20bn a year by 2023, paid for in part by tax rises. It has been received with cries of 'about time' and 'notenough.' Other voices mutter that we are simply pouring good money after bad into a system that is broken. To go with the funding boost, the government has promised a 10-year plan that "tackles waste, reduces bureaucracy and eliminates unacceptable variation," but sceptics say we've seen those promises before. With an ever-aging population and increasing pressures on the system, is it time for a fundamental re-appraisal of the NHS's priorities? What is it actually for? Is the job of the NHS to help us when we get sick, or to keep us from getting sick in the first place? Do expensive treatments need to be rationed, and if so, how should we decide who gets them? The sickest, the youngest, the ones with the best chance of recovery or the ones who can't afford to go private? The mantra of 'free at the point of delivery' embodies a fundamental moral principle that makes the NHS the envy of the world, according to many. Others believe it has turned our healthcare system into a religion - and delivered worse health outcomes than different systems in comparable countries. Ultimately, is it fair to ask those who look after their own health to pay for the treatment of those who don't?

AUDIO
BBC Radio 4 - Moral Maze, The NHS at 70