Achievements of the Labour Government and the NHS

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the achievements of the Labour Government, particularly the establishment and impact of the National Health Service in the UK.

What was the primary advantage of social security according to Pat Thane?

It provided real advantages to many women and those of the lower middle class who had been excluded from most social benefits.

What year was the National Health Service (NHS) introduced?

The NHS was introduced through the National Health Service Act of 1948.

How is the NHS financed?

The NHS is financed through general taxation and national insurance.

What does the NHS provide to British citizens?

Full access to healthcare services, free at the point of use.

What significant change did the NHS bring about in healthcare access?

Healthcare was no longer based on one's ability to pay.

How did the number of prescriptions change after the establishment of the NHS?

Prescriptions rose from 7 million per month before the NHS to 13.5 million per month in September 1948.

What year did charges for prescriptions begin to be implemented?

Charges were brought in for prescriptions in 1951.

Despite the NHS, what issue persisted regarding hospital treatments?

There were still private beds available in hospitals for wealthier patients.

What was Alan Sked and Chris Cook's opinion about the NHS?

They described the NHS as almost revolutionary for improving the quality of life of most British people.

According to R.C. Birch, what was the NHS's role in the welfare state?

He stated that the NHS was the greatest single achievement in the story of the welfare state.