Birth of the National Health Service | The early history of the NHS
CHANNEL | BBC 2
FIRST BROADCAST | 10 February 1965
DURATION | 19 minutes 40 seconds
FIRSTBROADCAST
1965
'Enquiry' examines the health of the NHS as seen through the eyes of a GP, who can deal with more than 100 patients a day. With a film crew following him throughout, he speaks candidly about the failings and pressures, and how the service could be saved. David Dimbleby reports.
Fearing a loss of independence, the British Medical Association was opposed to the National Health Service Act 1946, which came into effect in 1948. The Minister of Health, Aneurin Bevan, had to devise ways to gain the BMA's support, including offering higher pay, hence the now infamous quote from Bevan: 'I stuffed their mouths with gold.'
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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