Birth of the National Health Service | The early history of the NHS
CHANNEL | Home Service
FIRST BROADCAST | 28 April 1942
DURATION | 8 minutes 39 seconds
FIRSTBROADCAST
1942
The consensus seemed to be that, yes, they thought it was a good idea, mainly because of the geographically patchy nature of hospital coverage, but there was also some concern that the 'stimulus of competition' would be missing as patients would no longer have a choice of doctor.
'The Brains Trust' ran from 1941 to 1961 and was a celebrated discussion programme that at the height of its popularity regularly drew audiences in excess of 10 million. Charles McMoran Wilson, the 'doctor' who featured in this edition had to remain anonymous as members of the medical profession were at this time forbidden to advertise.

Did the Brains want an NHS in 1942?
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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