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BIRTH OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE | How the state of the nation's health became a political ideal
About this collection
On 5 July 1948, the National Health Service was launched with the proud expectation that it would make the UK the 'envy of the world'.
Here you can follow the early years of the NHS from radical plan through to triumphant birth and on to fully fledged but sometimes problematic service.
Through programmes, documents and images taken from the BBC's archives you can witness for yourself a time before the NHS existed, the disputes surrounding its inception and the difficulties it faced in the early years.
Features
Birth of the National Health Service Collection
SIR WILLIAM BEVERIDGE ...
Beveridge outlines his proposals for a new welfare state.
STATE ORGANISED MEDICINE
Two doctors debate the pros and cons of joining a National Health Service.
DOCTOR EDITH SUMMERSKILL
A Party Political Broadcast on the advantages of the new National Health Service.
THE NEW SOCIAL SERVICES ...
Prime Minister Clement Attlee introduces and explains the new Social Services.
BEVAN, RT HON MINISTER OF ...
One year after its introduction, the founder speaks on the Health Service.
SPECIAL ENQUIRY
Health for the People
'Special Enquiry' looks at the impact of the NHS in Salford.
ON CALL TO A NATION
Ten years after it started, is the NHS looking healthy?
PANORAMA
Health Service
Doctors discuss problems in the NHS as it approaches its 20th birthday.
SOMETHING FOR NOTHING
A Birthday Celebration
James Burke asks how long the NHS can continue without breaking down completely.
PARENTS AND CHILDREN
What Do You Know About ...
Mums and dads pit their wits against each other to answer NHS-based questions.
STUFFING THEIR MOUTHS ...
A history of the NHS as recalled by some who were there at the beginning.
HOW WE WORKED THEN
Medicine
Doctors, patients and chemists share their memories of medical treatment before the NHS.
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