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Advances in medicine and the NHS, 1920 to 48
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Penicillin, new surgery in the Second World War and the creation of the NHS transformed health care in Britain.
Penicillin
Alexander Fleming noticed in 1928 that a mould killed bacteria, but could not purify it.
Howard Florey and Ernst Chain produced and tested penicillin from 1939 to 41.
The Second World War led US companies, with government money, to mass-produce it in time for D-Day (1944).
Howard Florey and Ernst Chain produced and tested penicillin from 1939 to 41.
The Second World War led US companies, with government money, to mass-produce it in time for D-Day (1944).
Surgery in the Second World War
Skin grafts and plastic surgery for burned airmen improved, notably the work of Archibald McIndoe.
Blood banks and transfusion services expanded.
Blood banks and transfusion services expanded.
The NHS
The Beveridge Report (1942) called for a welfare state to defeat 'Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor and Idleness'.
The National Health Service began on 5 July 1948, led by Health Minister Aneurin Bevan: free health care for everyone, paid for by taxes.
Some doctors at first opposed it.
The National Health Service began on 5 July 1948, led by Health Minister Aneurin Bevan: free health care for everyone, paid for by taxes.
Some doctors at first opposed it.
Why was the Second World War important for penicillin?
- Florey and Chain could only make small amounts.
- The war created huge demand for treating wounded soldiers.
- So the US government funded mass production in time for D-Day.
Answer: Wartime demand led to government-funded mass production.
Fleming discovered penicillin (1928); Florey and Chain developed it (1939 to 41); the war led to mass production by D-Day. Skin grafts and blood banks advanced. The Beveridge Report (1942) led to the NHS (5 July 1948), free at the point of use.
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