Founding of the NHS (1948)
Study note
After the Second World War, Britain set up a new system to look after people's health. The National Health Service, known as the NHS, was created in 1948. Its central idea was that healthcare should be free at the point of use, meaning people could see a doctor or be treated in hospital without paying a fee at the time.
The minister most closely associated with founding the NHS was Aneurin Bevan, often called Nye Bevan, who was the Minister for Health in the post-war Labour government. The date to remember is 1948, which is the year the NHS began, and not other dates such as 1918, 1945 or 1958. The NHS remains one of the most important achievements of the post-war welfare state.
Memory tip: 1948, the NHS is born, free at the point of use.
Practise this topic
Question 1 of 3
In which year was the National Health Service (NHS) founded?
Show all questions and answers for Founding of the NHS (1948)(3 questions with explanations)
Founding of the NHS (1948): questions, answers and explanations
1. In which year was the National Health Service (NHS) founded?
- 1066
- 1918
- 2000
- 1948
Correct answer: 1948
The NHS was established in 1948 to provide healthcare free at the point of use.
2. The NHS was created to provide healthcare that is free at the point of use.
- True
- False
Correct answer: True
True. The NHS, founded in 1948, provides care free at the point of use.
3. In which year was the National Health Service created?
- 1948
- 1958
- 1945
- 1918
Correct answer: 1948
The NHS was founded in 1948.
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