WALT: Why was the NHS set up in 1948 and what was its significance?

WILFs: Can tell the story of how and when the NHS was set up ()...Can describe and explain the motives behind the setting up of the NHS (C)... can compare and contrast health care before and after the setting up of the NHS (B).... can explain why the setting up of the NHS was a struggle and why some groups opposed the NHS (B).... can assess the significance of the NHS to health and health care in Britain using the 4Rs (A*)

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) came into operation at midnight on the fourth of July 1948. It was the first time anywhere in the world that completely free healthcare was made available on the basis of citizenship rather than the payment of fees or insurance premiums. The service has been beset with problems throughout its lifetime, not least a continuing shortage of cash. But having cared for the nation for half a century, most Britons consider the NHS to have been an outstanding success.

Only 50 years ago, health care was a luxury not everyone could afford.

Life in Britain in the 30s and 40s was tough. Every year, thousands died of infectious diseases like pneumonia, meningitis, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and polio.

Infant mortality - deaths of children before their first birthday - was around one in 20, and there was little the piecemeal healthcare system of the day could do to improve matters.

Against such a background, it is difficult to overstate the impact of the introduction of the National Health Service (NHS). Although medical science was still at a basic stage, the NHS for the first time provided decent healthcare for all - and, at a stroke, transformed the lives of millions.

Starter: Watch the very short clip on the NHS and try and answer today's WALT

1. Take you face partner to a computer - investigate the Origins of the NHS Page and use your books to take notes on WHY and HOW Britain went from the Liberal Reforms to the NHS and how the NHS changed public health in Britain

2. Mini Plenary: Promenade a new partner and discuss what you have learnt

3. Now investigate this PPT and tell the story of the setting up of the NHS - what caused it and which individuals were important and who resisted?

4. Mini Plenary: Pair Share

a) What was the NHS and why was it set up
b) What was health care like before and after the setting up of the NHS
c) Who was repsonsible for the setting up of the NHS and what opposition was there
c) How significant was the setting up of the NHS - use the 4 Rs

5. Now complete the interactive Cloze and print

6. Plenary: Find Someone Who and Quiz Quiz Trade

7. Extension Click Here for a sources exercise