Birth of the National Health Service | The early history of the NHS
CHANNEL | BBC Television Service
FIRST BROADCAST | 28 December 1955
DURATION | 31 minutes 22 seconds
FIRSTBROADCAST
1955
Robert Reid (pictured) trudges around a grimy and polluted Salford in 1955 to remind us just how much of a profound effect on the nation's health the NHS had. We watch the story of the growing NHS unfold with a new emphasis on preventative healthcare, including the promotion of large-scale immunisation programmes and the provision of better health education for the masses.
The disastrous effects of smog on the nation's lungs continued to be a major healthcare issue until the arrival of the Clean Air Act of 1956. This legislation followed the severe London smog of 1952, during which 4,000 people died. The Act allowed local authorities to create smokeless zones, with householders encouraged to burn smokeless fuels.
1950s | NHS | Salford | UK Politics | Welfare State
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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