NHS: Britain's National Health Service, 1948-2020

The NHS has a rich history of innovation and adaptation, and is currently facing the greatest threat in its 72-year history due to COVID-19. This fully illustrated introduction traces the history of the NHS from its establishment after the Second World War, through seven decades of changing management and organisation, and offers a comprehensive overview of one of the world's most remarkable healthcare systems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom (UK) is a revered and valued institution that has been providing national healthcare for over 70 years. In March 2020, the UK went into lockdown to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect the NHS from one of the greatest threats it has faced in its history. Today, more than ever, all eyes are on the NHS as it continues to innovate and adapt to meet the challenges of providing national healthcare in the modern world.

This fully illustrated introduction by Dr. Susan Cohen traces the history of the NHS from its establishment after the Second World War, through seven decades of changing management and organisation, often in controversial political circumstances, right up to the current COVID-19 crisis. Including personal recollections from healthcare professionals on the frontline and the patients in their care, this important and timely volume offers a comprehensive overview of one of the world's most remarkable healthcare systems.

The NHS was established in 1948 after the Second World War, with the aim of providing universal healthcare to all citizens of the UK. It was a groundbreaking achievement that transformed the healthcare landscape in the country and has since been held up as a model for other countries around the world.

Over the years, the NHS has faced numerous challenges, including funding shortages, workforce shortages, and changes in healthcare technology. However, it has always responded to these challenges with resilience and innovation, and has continued to provide high-quality healthcare to millions of people.

One of the key strengths of the NHS is its commitment to patient-centred care. Healthcare professionals are trained to put the needs of their patients first, and to work together to provide the best possible care. This approach has led to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

The NHS has also been at the forefront of medical research and innovation, with many groundbreaking discoveries and treatments being developed in the UK. This has helped to improve the lives of millions of people around the world, and has made the UK a leader in the field of healthcare.

However, the NHS has also faced its share of challenges in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most significant challenges that the NHS has faced in its history. The pandemic has led to a significant increase in demand for healthcare services, and has put a strain on the NHS's resources.

To address this challenge, the NHS has implemented a range of measures, including the introduction of social distancing measures, the use of personal protective equipment, and the development of a vaccine. These measures have helped to reduce the spread of the virus and to protect the NHS's workforce.

Despite these challenges, the NHS remains a vital and valued institution in the UK. It provides high-quality healthcare to millions of people, and has played a crucial role in improving the health of the nation.

In conclusion, the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom is a revered and valued institution that has been providing national healthcare for over 70 years. Despite facing numerous challenges, it has always responded with resilience and innovation, and has continued to provide high-quality healthcare to millions of people. Its commitment to patient-centred care and medical research and innovation has made it a leader in the field of healthcare, and has helped to improve the lives of millions of people around the world.

Weight: 172g
Dimension: 149 x 208 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784424824