Life in the UK Test
Sign in
Back to A Long and Illustrious History

The founding of the NHS (1948)

Study note

One of the greatest achievements of the post-war Labour government was the creation of the National Health Service. The NHS was founded in 1948, the date most often tested, under Aneurin Bevan, known as Nye Bevan, who was the Minister for Health. So link the NHS with 1948 and with Bevan, not with William Beveridge or Clement Attlee.

The NHS guaranteed a minimum standard of healthcare for everyone in the country, free at the point of use. This phrase means that people receive care without being charged at the moment they need it, however rich or poor they are. The same government also took major industries, such as the railways and the coal mines, into public ownership, a process known as nationalisation.

Memory tip: 1948 NHS, led by Nye Bevan, free at the point of use; railways and coal nationalised.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 4

In which year was the National Health Service founded?

Score so far: 0 / 0
Show all questions and answers for The founding of the NHS (1948)(4 questions with explanations)

The founding of the NHS (1948): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. In which year was the National Health Service founded?

    • 1945
    • 1942
    • 1944
    • 1948

    Correct answer: 1948

    The NHS was founded in 1948.

  2. 2. Which minister led the establishment of the NHS in 1948?

    • Clement Attlee
    • William Beveridge
    • Aneurin (Nye) Bevan
    • R A Butler

    Correct answer: Aneurin (Nye) Bevan

    Aneurin (Nye) Bevan, the Minister for Health, led the establishment of the NHS.

  3. 3. What does it mean that the NHS is free at the point of use?

    • People must pay in advance each year
    • Only the rich can use it
    • Care is provided without charge when people need it
    • It is only free for children

    Correct answer: Care is provided without charge when people need it

    Free at the point of use means care is provided without charge when needed.

  4. 4. Which of these statements is correct?

    • The NHS was founded in 1918
    • The NHS was founded in 1948

    Correct answer: The NHS was founded in 1948

    The NHS was founded in 1948.

Back to A Long and Illustrious History, or try a mock test or timed exam.