NHS - A national treasure

Did you know… the NHS was launched over 70 years ago in Manchester by Health Minister Aneurin Bevan for “everyone – rich or poor, man, woman or child.”?

Since 1948, The National Health Service has been providing free healthcare for all in the United Kingdom. During its history, it has been plagued by controversy and financial concerns, but has also supported life-changing discoveries.

The National Health Service (NHS) was launched on 5 July 1948. This radical new project offered free, professional healthcare to all for the first time.

It was introduced by Clement Attlee’s Labour Government to help a war-ravaged nation get back on its feet.

Before the NHS came into being, healthcare had to be paid for. Many people went without until their condition became unbearable and had to look to charity for help.

When the NHS was launched in Manchester in 1948, Health Minister Aneurin Bevan assured the public that the service was for “everyone – rich or poor, man, woman or child.”

For over 70 years, the NHS has brought innovation, relief and life to countless people throughout Britain. From day one it has faced financial challenges, courted controversy and continues to be a hot topic for debate today.

What do you think the future holds for the NHS?

A timeline of treatment

1948 – The NHS was launched at Park Hospital (now Trafford General Hospital) in Manchester. The service was accessed by so many people that it almost collapsed within the first few weeks.

1952 – Having exceeded its expected running costs, the NHS introduced charges of one shilling (5p) for prescriptions and £1 for dental treatment.

1954 – British scientist, Sir Richard Doll, published his research on the link between smoking and lung cancer.

1958 – The first mass vaccination programme against polio and diphtheria is introduced to all children under the age of 15.

1961 – The contraceptive pill first became available on the NHS. It was only available to married women until 1967.

1965 – Charges for NHS prescriptions and dental treatments were scrapped, but reintroduced 3 years later.

1968 – The UK’s first heart transplant was carried out at the National Heart Hospital in London.

1968 – The first British woman gave birth to sextuplets after receiving fertility treatment.

1972 – Computerised tomography (CT) scanners were used for the first time.

1978 – The world’s first test tube baby was born at Oldham General Hospital.

1988 – Breast Screening Programme began in units set up across the UK.

2004 – The Organ Donor Register was created.

2007 – Smoking was banned in pubs and restaurants in England.

2012 – The first hand transplant operation was carried out at Leeds General Infirmary.

2018 – The NHS celebrated its 70th birthday.

2019 – The future of the NHS continues to be one of the most talked about issues in British life.