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Viewfinder - 9: Health Service

BIRTH OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE | How the state of the nation's health became a political ideal

Viewfinder | 9: Health Service

A glimpse into the life of a doctor.

Synopsis

Reporter Aidan Crawley (pictured) follows two doctors on their rounds, one who has known his patient for some 20 years. This is followed by interviews with several doctors on their views of the NHS. It's clear that the service has enabled doctors to prevent serious illnesses and save more lives. However, the doctors are under some strain from trivial cases and a changed workload.

Did you know?

Broadcaster Aidan Crawley once worked for the Balkan intelligence service and was a fighter pilot during the Second World War. He was shot down and captured by German forces in the Western Desert, and held at a prisoner of war camp in Germany. However, he tunnelled under the perimeter and escaped as far as Switzerland before being recaptured by the Gestapo.

Contributors

James Bredin
Producer
Aidan Crawley
Reporter
Leonard Trumm
Film Editor

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Documents

Document - Page one of 'Radio Doctor' on Public Reactions to the Proposed Health Service.

'RADIO DOCTOR' CALLS FOR PUBLIC DEBATE ...

WRITTEN 1943
1 DOC

Dr Hill explains the importance of allowing public debate about the health service.

Document - 'Radio Doctor' on Vitamins.

'RADIO DOCTOR' ON VITAMINS

WRITTEN 1945
1 DOC

What the BBC should say about vitamins.

Document - Page one of The Government Asks for the BBC's Help in Publicising the 1948 Acts.

THE GOVERNMENT ASKS FOR THE BBC'S HELP

WRITTEN 1945
1 DOC

Minutes of a meeting in which the government suggests ways that the BBC could help ...

Document - Page two of Potential Topics for 'Radio Doctor' Are Discussed.

POTENTIAL TOPICS FOR 'RADIO DOCTORS' ...

WRITTEN 1947
4 DOCS

A series of memos that reveal prevalent health concerns in the UK, just as the NHS is founded.

Document - Page one of 'Radio Doctor' on Chilblains.

'RADIO DOCTOR' ON CHILBLAINS

WRITTEN 1947
1 DOC

Dr Charles Hill discusses what he can say about chilblains on his programme.


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