11. re significance of NHS in the development of P Health in Britain Flashcards
(10 cards)
When was the NHS created, and what was its main goal?
1948; to provide free healthcare at the point of need for everyone.
What was access to healthcare like before the NHS?
Dependent on wealth; many poor people couldn’t afford doctors or treatment.
What was the immediate positive impact of the NHS from July 5th, 1948?
Millions of people instantly gained access to doctors, hospitals, and medicines without charge.
What major barrier did the NHS immediately remove for the working class and poor?
The financial barrier to healthcare.
What was the short-term positive impact on disease rates?
Rapid improvement in health; diseases like tuberculosis began to decline more rapidly.
How did the NHS impact health inequalities in the short term?
It was a huge step towards reducing health inequalities linked to social class.
What has the NHS become in the long term, and what has it significantly increased?
A cornerstone of British society and a global model; significantly increased life expectancy.
What are some negative impacts of the NHS that have emerged over time?
Increasing costs, waiting lists, and challenges in meeting growing demand.
What types of public health initiatives has the NHS enabled on a national scale?
Widespread public health campaigns, vaccination programmes, and preventative care.
What fundamental idea does the NHS’s significance lie in today?
That good health is a universal right, not a privilege.
