NHS

What was the NHS?

The National Health Service (NHS) was set up to provide free healthcare to patients at the point of delivery.

Who was responsible for establishing the NHS?

Aneurin Bevan was a Labour Minister for Health from Wales, who was responsible for setting up the NHS.

Why was the NHS introduced?

By the end of the Second World War, changes to society meant that the idea of a public health service was much more popular, for 5 key reasons.

• ❖ Many children were evacuated to the country during the Second World War. People were horrified by the poverty that they saw.
• ❖ By the mid-twentieth century, people had become more used to the idea of the government playing a role in people's lives.
• ❖ Advances in medicine meant that there were more ways to help the sick.
• ❖ The Second World War had already forced the government to organise, and take more control of, hospitals and medical services.
• ❖ The Beveridge Report of 1942 inspired the creation of the NHS.

When did the NHS begin?

The NHS was founded on 5th July, 1948.

Who opposed the creation of the NHS?

There were 2 main areas of opposition to the creation of the NHS.

• ❖ Some doctors opposed the introduction of the NHS because it reduced their income from private patients. Bevan promised they could continue to work privately, as well as receiving a salary from the government.
• ❖ Many Conservatives disliked the NHS because of the burden on the taxpayer, but it was too popular with the general public to be abolished.

How was the NHS organised?

The NHS was organised in the following ways:

• ❖ Hospitals were controlled by 14 regional boards, but were made part of a single system.
• ❖ Doctors, as well as dentists, pharmacists and opticians, had individual contracts with the NHS.
• ❖ GPs played an important role in providing primary health care, by diagnosing and treating patients, by referring them to hospital where necessary, or writing prescriptions for medicine.
• ❖ Local health authorities had responsibility for vaccination programmes, maternal and child welfare, health visitors, and school dental services. They were led by a medical officer.

What services does the NHS provide?

The NHS provides services through medical treatment, hospitals, specialist healthcare professionals, preventative healthcare, and care for the vulnerable.

• ❖ The NHS provides treatment for illness and injury, including surgery, blood transfusions and medication.
• ❖ The NHS runs hospitals, provides ambulance services to transport patients to them, and accident and emergency care.
• ❖ The NHS provides access to healthcare professionals and services such as GPs, mental health services, dental treatment, and opticians.
• ❖ The NHS works to prevent illness to cut down on the cost of treatment. This includes campaigns to encourage healthier lifestyles, vaccinations, and diagnostic screening.
• ❖ The NHS provides care for the vulnerable, such as the elderly and disabled. Maternity care and health visitors are provided for mothers and new babies.

In what ways has the NHS been successful?

The NHS has been successful in improving healthcare in Britain in 6 main ways.

• ❖ The NHS has improved hospitals and healthcare facilities.
• ❖ The NHS has led to a fall in child mortality rates.
• ❖ The NHS has implemented a national vaccination scheme, eradicating many diseases.
• ❖ The NHS provides free healthcare for all, regardless of their ability to pay.
• ❖ The NHS has raised life expectancy.
• ❖ The NHS lowers treatment costs by promoting preventive health care.

How much did the NHS cost?

The NHS was paid for by National Insurance contributions and taxes. In 1948, it cost £12.9 billion.

How much did the NHS raise life expectancy?

In 1930, on average, men lived until the age of 58 and women until 62. By 1950, this had increased to 66 for men and 70 for women.

What happened to the NHS in the 1960s?

During the 1960s, the government built more hospitals across the country, and introduced a GP's charter in 1966, which improved standards in care.