The NHS

Question 1

What did the government do in response to the ‘disease’ giant?

Answer 1

1. The National Health Service Act of 1946 was passed.

Question 2

What did the NHS Act do?

Answer 2

In 1946, it allowed free medical, dental and eye care for all.
In 1947, it reintroduced charges on prescriptions and later on in the year charges on some services.

Question 3

What was the reaction of medical professionals to the NHS?

Answer 3

They were largely opposed. The British Medical Association (BMA) admitted that health service reforms were needed, but disagreed with the government over the level of government control, over who should get free healthcare and how doctors should be paid. Disputes with the BMA are what delayed the act from coming into force until July 1948.

Question 4

What was the impact of the NHS between 1948 and 1951?

Answer 4

1. The government had badly underestimated how much it would cost.
2. It was wildly popular with the people.
3. By 1949, the government was debating changes.
4. The NHS Act of 1949 set a 1 shilling prescription charge, although the old, poor and disabled didn’t have to pay. Bevan disagreed and resigned as Minister of Health because of this.
5. Another Act in 1951 put a charge of 1 shilling towards the cost of glasses or half the cost of teeth.
6. These charges were objected to.