Birth of the National Health Service | The early history of the NHS
Writtenin
1948
The minutes of this meeting show the government looking for the BBC's help in making sure that the public know about, and are ready for, the launch of the acts that bring into force what is now known as the welfare state. The BBC has a rather non-committal response to the government's very detailed request for information to be targeted to various sections of the audience.
The term 'PRO', which is used throughout this document, is a Civil Service abbreviation standing for the 'Principal Responsible Officer' and refers to the individual who has responsibility for a particular project. The term currently used is 'SRO', which stands for 'Single Responsible Owner'.
Beveridge outlines his proposals for a new welfare state.
Two doctors debate the pros and cons of joining a National Health Service.
A Party Political Broadcast on the advantages of the new National Health Service.
Prime Minister Clement Attlee introduces and explains the new Social Services.
One year after its introduction, the founder speaks on the Health Service.
'Special Enquiry' looks at the impact of the NHS in Salford.
GPs threaten to withdraw from the NHS.
Ten years after it started, is the NHS looking healthy?
Is the health service on the brink of collapse?
Doctors discuss problems in the NHS as it approaches its 20th birthday.
James Burke asks how long the NHS can continue without breaking down completely.
Mums and dads pit their wits against each other to answer NHS-based questions.
A history of the NHS as recalled by some who were there at the beginning.
Doctors, patients and chemists share their memories of medical treatment before the NHS.
Dr Hill explains the importance of allowing public debate about the health service.
Will the Radio Doctor be too busy negotiating with the government to broadcast?
Should the BBC admit that doctors can't help to cure chillblains?
Dr Charles Hill gives his opinions on the causes and treatments of chillblains.
The Radio doctor's producer suggests broadcasting about shingles and repeating advice about dandruff.

Minutes of a meeting in which the government suggests ways that the BBC could help publicise the new Welfare State acts.
An agreement between Doctors and the NHS now seems inevitable.
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