1900s Medicine (20th Century) Flashcards
When were X-Rays discovered?
20 years before WW1
What did X-rays help surgeons remove from soldiers?
Deeply lodged bullets that would have caused infection if they were left in
Describe the work of Fleming
- He discovered Penicillin
- He left a secci-disc on his desk when going away on holiday and later discovered that mould could kill bacteria
- He discovered Penicillin = a GOOD antibiotic
Why was Penicillin used during the war?
To treat wounded soldiers
Describe the work of Florey and Chain
- They read Fleming’s Penicillin report
- They tested Penicillin on a patient who was recovering.
…drug ran out > patient died (Penicillin needed further development)
When did the U.S realise Penicillin’s potential/ what did they give to develop the drug?
During WW2
They have loans to develop the drug
Name three factors leading to the development of Penicillin
U.S Government - funded Florey’s research
Individuals - Florey & Chain
Chance - Fleming discovered Penicillin through luck and leaving the secci- disc when going on holiday
Name three impacts of WW2 on medicine
Drugs - Penicillin = the first antibiotic
Diet - food rations from war improved diet
Blood transfusions - Civilians donated blood to soldiers
What medical progress did the First World War bring about?
- Surgeons developed new techniques (eg plastic surgery)
- Soldiers promises good housing when they returned from war
- Brain surgery advanced
What influence did WW2 have on the NHS?
Evacuated children - made people aware of how disadvantaged people were
Broke down social barriers - brought people closer together
What year did the NHS come about?
July 5th 1948
What problems does the NHS still face?
- Long waiting lists
- Doubts about the quality of treatment because it’s free
- Not all operations are free under the NHS
