The Making Of Modern Britain #15: 5 Giants - Disease Flashcards
What healthcare problems did Britain face before 1948?
Doctors and treatments had to be paid for, and this meant many could not afford healthcare when they got sick
What did the National Insurance Act 1946 do on healthcare?
Some workers could get access to healthcare but their families had to miss out on
When was the law passed to introduce the NHS?
1946
Who oversaw the NHS act in 1946?
Labour’s minister of health, Aneurin Bevan
When was the NHS officially introduced?
1948
Why did many initially oppose the NHS?
- doctors and dentists worried the government would tell them what to do
- they worried they would get less money
What was Bevan’s deal with doctors and dentists which made them like the NHS?
- they would be paid money for each NHS patient, but they were allowed to treat private clients too
- 90% of doctors signed up to the NHS
How many doctors signed up to the NHS?
90%
What 3 principles was the NHS based on?
universal access
Everyone could use it
free at the point of use
No charge for any service
all problems
Would be treated
What services could people access as part of the NHS?
- doctor
- hospital treatment
- hearing aids
- spectacles
- false teeth
Example of NHS success
5.5million spectacles issues 1948-1949
How was the huge cost of the NHS partially solved?
Eventually prescription charges were introduced to help pay
What was a problem with hospitals?
Out-of-date and poor condition
Why did Bevan resign?
Prescription charges had to be introduced in 1951, Bevan resigned in protest
