The challenge of medical advances 1945-79

Question 1

Prescriptions and drugs

Answer 1

September 1948 - prescriptions rose to 13.6million.
1949-1964 more medicines available, increasing costs.
NHS spent 250% more on drugs in 1964 compared to 1951.

Question 2

Infrastructure

Answer 2

1960s-70s attempts to modernise only partially successful.
Britain spent less on healthcare than other European countries.

Question 3

Treatment and staffing

Answer 3

More high-tech equipment - created new challenges.
Consultants/nurses increased by 66% 1964-79, technical 300%.

Question 4

Ageing population

Answer 4

Demands on the NHS increased with the ageing population.
NHS performed 24,000 hip replacements in 1979.

Question 5

Major surgery

Answer 5

Advances in surgery increased demand for NHS services.
1964-79 saw important advances in organ surgery - heart bypasses, organ transplants etc.
Around 5000 heart bypass operations in 1979.

Question 6

Crisis in the NHS?

Answer 6

During the 1970s the NHS faced a potential crisis situation due to several factors.
Growing demand NHS services (previous slide).
Healthcare provision remained uneven both across the country and in different branches of medicine.
Problems surrounding mental health care.
Nonetheless, the NHS was protected by a widespread public consensus - viewed as an indispensable part of British life.