Healthcare provision: Before War Flashcards
What did health depend on and why?
Health depended on wealth.
Wealthy could pay for medical treatment in private hospitals and many were treated in their own homes. The poor on the other hand were unable to afford this, and many suffered and died after their ineffective self-medication failed.
What was made in replacement for health insurance in order for the poor?
Friendly Societies.
Created in poor communities where by people would make small but often payments to act as support for a health problem, or financial crisis.
However, they were unregulated and non-compulsory.
What did the 1911 insurance act imply?
Provided free medical care and 13 week sick pay for members. However, the act only covered the workers, not their families.
Many mothers went without treatment in order for their children to be treated, relied on local community, or sympathetic GPs.
Why did WW1 showcase Britain’s ill health?
The men that conscribed.
41% were classified as unfit and 10% were seen as unusable.
What was the ‘Ministry of Health’?
Set up in 1919.
Lacked statutory authority and political will that was needed in order to change the system. This reluctance was shown in 1926 when the Conservative government failed to act on a Royal Commision recommendation to either scrap or reform the health insurance system.
Name an insurance company that dealt with health problems before the war?
Prudential.
Dealt with around 75% of health insurance.
What did the 1929 Local Government act imply?
Public Assistance committees tried to turn state hospitals into established centers. However, the uptake was slow.
What did the Survey in 1938 show?
Shortage of beds and supplies
In 1939, what were half the public hospitals still known as?
Poor law infirmaries.
