About the National Health Service (NHS)
The National Health Service (NHS) is the publicly funded healthcare system of the United Kingdom. Launched on July 5, 1948, it provides a comprehensive range of health services, the vast majority of which are free at the point of use for people legally resident in the United Kingdom.
Interesting Facts About the NHS
Founding
The NHS was launched on July 5, 1948, by the then Health Secretary, Aneurin Bevan, at Park Hospital in Manchester (now known as Trafford General Hospital).
Size
The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world, with over 1.5 million staff across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Daily Contacts
On average, the NHS deals with over 1 million patients every 36 hours.
Budget
The NHS in England has an annual budget of over £130 billion (as of 2020/21).
Key Principles of the NHS
- Free at the point of use
- Funded through taxation
- Based on clinical need, not ability to pay
- Comprehensive range of services
- Accessible to all legal residents
Historical Timeline
- 1948: Establishment of the NHS
- 1958: Introduction of polio and diphtheria vaccinations
- 1968: UK's first heart transplant performed
- 1978: World's first test-tube baby born
- 2000: NHS Walk-in Centres introduced
- 2020: NHS plays a crucial role in the UK's response to the COVID-19 pandemic
NHS Services
The NHS provides a wide range of services including:
- Primary care (GPs, pharmacists, dentists, optometrists)
- Hospital care
- Mental health services
- Emergency and urgent care
- Community health services
- Sexual health services
- Maternity services